Fairness at Work rallies 21 & 22 August

Written By: - Date published: 1:54 pm, August 20th, 2010 - 56 comments
Categories: Unions, workers' rights - Tags: , , ,

Unions are getting together to oppose the government’s changes to employment law with rallies in the four main centres. Details below:

Auckland – Saturday 21 August
QE2 Square, 1pm
Bottom of Queen St, opposite Britomart

Wellington – Saturday 21 August
CIvic Square, 1pm

Christchurch – Saturday 21 August
Cathedral Square, 1pm

Dunedin – Sunday 22 August
Dental School, 11am

56 comments on “Fairness at Work rallies 21 & 22 August ”

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  1. Jenny 1
    20 August 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Now if only the Labour Party MPs could agree to run a post advertising these rallies, either on Red Alert or the official Labour Party website, it would be a big help, and a sign of solidarity.

    It’s not to late.

    • The Voice of Reason 1.1
      20 August 2010 at 2:36 pm

      The biggest help would be lots of people turning up to the rallies. See you there, Jenny?

    • Pascal's bookie 1.2
      20 August 2010 at 3:14 pm

      Jenny, while I respect your enthusiasm, I don’t really understand why you think the LP needs to be all over this and making it about them. It’s not.

      • Jenny 1.2.1
        20 August 2010 at 4:56 pm

        .
        Does Labour want working people to vote for them, or not?

        Will Labour commit to removing this legislation, or not?

        A major missed opportunity for Labour to show whose side they’re on, or a CTU only affair?

        Are Labour MPs attending as private citizens, or as representative left wing leaders?

        Have Labour Party MPs got anything to say to working New Zealanders, or nothing?

        capcha – strategys

        • The Voice of Reason 1.2.1.1
          20 August 2010 at 5:32 pm

          I’m pretty sure that the CTU and Labour have talked this through, Jenny. Phil Goff’s email reply to you the other day suggests that Labour are not going to do anything that takes away or distracts from the purpose of the rallies. Which is to show a union organised response to this Government’s attacks on workers.

          Labour is not the problem here. The Tories are, and as I suggested the other day, it’s time to choose which side you’re on. As the otherwise dull witted comedy suggests above, at times your constant questioning of Labour does make you sound like an embittered RAM member.

          Anyway, all the best tomorrow. As his Bobness say,

          “If you are the big tree,
          we are the small axe
          ready to cut you down
          to cut you down”

          • Jenny 1.2.1.1.1
            20 August 2010 at 8:21 pm

            .
            VOR:

            I’m pretty sure that the CTU and Labour have talked this through

            Yes I agree VOR. Like you, I am pretty sure that the Labour Party and the CTU have talked it through as well.

            I still think this is a very strange decision that they came to.

            I would really like to know what the reasoning behind this decision was.

            • felix 1.2.1.1.1.1
              20 August 2010 at 9:32 pm

              If the parliamentary Labour Party jump all over this with both feet they’ll diminish the integrity of the protest and make it look (to many people) like a political point-scoring match.

              What you’re suggesting might be a good look for Goff but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best way forward for the movement at this point.

              /2c

              • Jenny …
                21 August 2010 at 6:47 am

                All workers want is a clear unequivocal statement from Labour that on regaining office they will repeal this legislation.

                If not as this venue, when everyone, including the media, will be listening for it, then where?

                Two months out from the election, when it will be too late to make a difference?

                I think that though the Labour Party has got the CTU to agree, to not put them on the spot today.

                Labour Party members should be asking Phil Goff, to at least make a statement for the news at 6.00, that Labour will repeal these amendments to the ERA immediately on returning to office.

                This might save the day for the Labour Party.

                • Carol …
                  21 August 2010 at 7:01 am

                  http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/goff-creating-fear-workplaces-will-not-make-kiwis-better/5/59564

                  Friday, 20 August, 2010 – 12:35
                  Stripping away the rights of wage and salary earners will drive down wages and do nothing to raise the living standards of most New Zealanders, Labour Leader Phil Goff says. “New Zealand needs a high wage, high-skill economy. But National’s 90-day ‘fire at will’ Bill takes away protections for working people that will drive us towards lower wages and conditions,” Phil Goff said.

                  “That won’t make Kiwis better off. Prices are already running ahead of wages, and the jobs aren’t there, but National is reducing protection for wage and salary earners.

                  “This draconian and unnecessary law makes a mockery of John Key’s number one election promise to close the wage gap with Australia. That promise has turned into an embarrassment for John Key,” Phil Goff said. “Labour supports the rights of employers to sack employees for misconduct or who aren’t up to the job – that’s why existing law allows this to happen already – but this law opens the door to abuse by bad employers. It will stigmatise unfairly sacked employees and make it even harder for them to find a job

                  “Most employers are fair and reasonable but it is not right or fair that under this law bad employers can arbitrarily sack a wage or salary earner in the first 90 days without having to give a reason or allow an employee to appeal the decision.

                  ‘That is why I will be rallying against this law at QE2 Square in Auckland tomorrow from 1pm and why Labour MPs will be voicing their opposition in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. “If a worker has to produce a doctor’s note for a single day off work, what happens when the doctor can’t see you the day you call in sick? Health officials are urging people to stay home if they get sick to help stop the spread of diseases like swine flu. But National wants you to struggle to the doctor or work. That doesn’t make sense.

                  “At a time when unemployment is still on the rise, the Government making Kiwi workers even more vulnerable by extending its 90 day laws to all companies.

                  “New Zealand needs a stronger productive economy based on high wages and skills, not a low wage economy. You can’t close the gap with Australia by running our wages down.

                  “Labour’s plan for a stronger economy includes an increase in the minimum wage, fair employment laws, making the Reserve Bank provide better support for exports and jobs, and growing skills.

                  “Labour believes in building a stronger economy that works for all New Zealanders.

                  “That includes ensuring workplaces are fair places – where wage and salary earners can share the fruits of a strong economy,” Phil Goff said.

                  Also, the above statement in a press release on scoop:

                  http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1008/S00303/fear-in-workplaces-will-not-make-kiwis-better-off.htm

                  Fear in workplaces will not make Kiwis better off
                  Friday, 20 August 2010, 12:46 pm
                  Press Release: New Zealand Labour Party

                  Phil Goff
                  Leader of the Labour Party

                  20 August 2010 Media Statement
                  Creating fear in workplaces will not make Kiwis better off

                  Stripping away the rights of wage and salary earners will drive down wages and do nothing to raise the living standards of most New Zealanders, Labour Leader Phil Goff says.

                  “New Zealand needs a high wage, high-skill economy. But National’s 90-day ‘fire at will’ Bill takes away protections for working people that will drive us towards lower wages and conditions,’ Phil Goff said.
                  ……

                  • Jenny …
                    21 August 2010 at 7:25 am

                    Yes Carol. But Phil Goff still hasn’t stated that a Labour administration will repeal these law changes.

                    We get it. Labour “opposes” these changes. But as Phil carefully explained to us during the “Axe the Tax” campaign, in opposing the rise in GST to 15%. Opposing doesn’t mean ‘overturning’ or ‘repealing’.

                    Phil Goff still refuses to state that a Labour Government, on being returned to office would cancel these changes to the ERA.

                    Frankly I am sick of this mealy mouthed word play.

                    How about a clear statement from the Leader of the Labour Party that Labour would repeal this legislation?

                    I am of the opinion that this reluctance to state their position clearly is behind the ban on any Labour MP speaking to the workers today. In case, caught up in the moment they break ranks from the leadership’s line of “opposing” but not “defeating” this legislation.

                    capcha – discuss

                    • comedy …
                      21 August 2010 at 7:55 am

                      Don’t you know what politics in NZ is about, it’s about having a look see how many people are vexed about an issue and then making a call whether to support it or not.

                      If there’s a shite load of people at the protests and the general public starts turning against this law Phil and Labour will get more vocal and supportive if not they won’t nuff said.

                    • The Voice of Reason …
                      21 August 2010 at 9:12 am

                      “I am of the opinion that this reluctance to state their position clearly is behind the ban on any Labour MP speaking to the workers today.”

                      This is the second time you’ve claimed that Labour MP’s are banned from speaking. It’s bullshit, Jenny. The MP’s are in the same position as you or I. Welcome to attend, but not on the speakers list. That isn’t a ban, it’s respecting the organisers of the rallies.

                      If you have to lie to make a point, you are, sadly, just a troll. A loony left one maybe, but a troll none the less.

                    • loota …
                      21 August 2010 at 9:46 am

                      Well actually comedy is spot on with this one IMO: its up to the citizens to force their politicians to give a damn. To give them no other choice but to say – yes we will do it.

                    • Jenny …
                      21 August 2010 at 10:47 am

                      In replying to my question on why the Labour MPs will not be speaking at the Fairness at work rallies, VOR replied:

                      I’m pretty sure that the CTU and Labour have talked this through, Jenny.

                      If VOR is right, and “the CTU and the Labour Party have talked this through.” The decision that came out of these talks, was that the Labour Party MPs would not speak at these rallies.

                      Effectively VOR has admitted that there is a ban.

                      I am sure that Labour Party MPs have got something to say to workers, just as I am sure that workers want to hear it.

                      The unions can’t repeal this legislation – only a Labour led Government could do that. And Labour needs the unions support to get workers to vote for them.

                      It really seems to be a marriage made in heaven.

                      Why are the Labour Party and the unions placed in completely separate boxes with some sort of completely artificial separation between them?

                      It seems completely counterproductive to me.

                      capcha – involving

                    • Daveosaurus …
                      21 August 2010 at 3:12 pm

                      VOR: “It’s bullshit, Jenny.”
                      Jenny: “VOR has admitted that there is a ban.”

                      Jenny, I think you might have wound your tin-foil a bit too tight.

    • calltoaccount 1.3
      20 August 2010 at 10:13 pm

      It’s up on some of the MP’s own websites. Here it is on Ruth Dyson’s site. Sixth article down, been up since 4 August!

      • Jenny 1.3.1
        21 August 2010 at 6:32 am

        It’s also up on the official Green Party site. And also on Frogblog where it has top billing.

        This is in stark contrast to the Labour Party official website and even Red Alert.

        Also, the Green Party was the only parliamentary Party to have an organised visible presence at the first Fairness At Work rally outside the National Party conference.

        Let’s hope this time we see some Labour Party banners today, as well.

        • loota 1.3.1.1
          21 August 2010 at 9:49 am

          Don’t you worry, we’re going to have Labour Party banners a plenty in Dunedin tomorrow.

  2. zimmer 2
    20 August 2010 at 2:39 pm

    Hope it pisses down on you socialist fools.

    • Blighty 2.1
      20 August 2010 at 2:59 pm

      yeah, fuck you too, zimmer.

      • Jum 2.1.1
        21 August 2010 at 2:55 pm

        There’s the perfect place in Austria for all those rightwing fxxxers. Zimmer can take his frame. The place starts with F, ends in g and has uck (as in yuck) in the middle.

    • bbfloyd 2.2
      20 August 2010 at 5:07 pm

      Z… the only p******g going on here is whats landing in your pocket.

    • Tigger 2.3
      21 August 2010 at 1:51 pm

      Beautiful here in Wellington, z. Pity some of us have to work today, would far rather be at the rally right now…you know z, good, hard work, as we socialist workers do…

  3. sweetd 3
    20 August 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Auckland’s weather forecast for saturday 21st

    Occasional showers, brisk westerlies, high of 15, low of 8.

    • Jim Nald 3.1
      22 August 2010 at 12:58 am

      As for Dunedin 22 Aug
      Bugga da weather and get out, you folks
      Come rain or shine, cold or not

  4. Green Tea 4
    20 August 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Because Employers and the Government have so much to fear from 2 youtube videos, a website and a Saturday get together.

  5. Pascal's bookie 5
    20 August 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Remarkable just how quickly folks can get arrogant and out of touch. Keep it up, herbalist.

    • The Voice of Reason 5.1
      20 August 2010 at 5:01 pm

      Not to mention scared! The outpouring of bollocks from the bewildered on the right in the last 48 hours has been most heartening. Ask not for whom the bell tolls …

      • Pascal's bookie 5.1.1
        20 August 2010 at 6:34 pm

        If you get a chance to liberate a copy of today’s NBR from anywhere, it’s chock full of whinging about the government. The PM’s office gets a big old serve of personal name calling from different quarters. It’s all very disrespectful.

  6. lprent 6
    21 August 2010 at 10:38 am

    Looks like I’d better take my coat

  7. Santi 7
    21 August 2010 at 10:44 am

    As an employer, I will attend to show my support for the proposed legislation changes.
    Good employees have nothing to fear. Only slackers and malcontents are at risk. Rightly so.

    • millsy 7.1
      21 August 2010 at 11:03 am

      I take it you see your workers as expendable. Because lets face it, if you will only employ someone because you can get rid of them easily, then thats what they become..

      • Santi 7.1.1
        21 August 2010 at 11:10 am

        Wrong! Good workers are an invaluable asset to any company, they are colleagues at work, and should always be well rewarded and treated with dignity. They are the ones who have nothing to fear.

        They are never “expendable” as you said.

        • Jum 7.1.1.1
          21 August 2010 at 3:00 pm

          Having seen your past comments, Santi, I suggest you’re telling porkies now about how workers are treated. When employers put employees on the asset side in the balance sheet instead of the expenses side of the income and expenditure, then and only then anything they/you have to say might be listened to.

          Low wages to workers equates to low respect from employers, the end goal for NAct to enforce a cheap and desperate labour force malleable for incoming investment, wanting lower expenses and more profit for the shareholders.

    • loota 7.2
      21 August 2010 at 11:31 am

      Good employees have nothing to fear.

      What are you on about.

      Good employees have plenty to fear. Particularly from bad managers and business owners (we all know or have experienced some), including ones who offer a 90 day right to fire employment contract on bad faith.

  8. Bill 8
    21 August 2010 at 10:52 am

    OOPS!

    I can’t find the primary source at the moment, but according to Johann Hari in ‘The Independent’,

    “The OECD has studied developed economies over a 20-year period, and it found labour productivity growth was much higher in the countries where it is hardest to fire people.”

    http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-the-management-consultancy-scam-2057127.html

  9. Jenny 9
    21 August 2010 at 10:53 am

    Since VOR has admitted that there is an agreed ban on Labour Party MPs speaking.

    I might go back to my original question, the second part of which was:

    Does this ban prevent EPMU head, Andrew Little as a prospective Labour MP, from speaking as well?

    capcha – clarify

    I suppose we will see at the end of the day.

    • loota 9.1
      21 August 2010 at 11:34 am

      Well…as long as such a ban is not on prospective Labour MP’s (there are quite a few of those floating around at the moment) Little should be able to have his say.

    • The Voice of Reason 9.2
      22 August 2010 at 8:21 am

      Fuck off, Jenny. You are a bullshit artist and not a particularly good one at that. Lying about what I have said does nothing to advance your argument, whatever the hell it is. I’m picking that you are just another infantile leftist, who would rather see the Nats in power, because then the oppressed masses might rise up in revolutionary fervour, calling for wise leadership of saddoes like yourself to see them through to the glorious new dawn.

      Your constant focus on the Labour Party gives you away. You aren’t a member, won’t vote for them, yet can’t stop talking about them. Just another batshit crazy loon who can’t stand the fact that nobody outside of the members of your own self absorbed circle of snobs is the least bit interested in your ideas.

      Why don’t you drop the bullshit and tell us what and who you represent when you make up this shite. What are your ideas, Jenny? What plans have you got? I’m picking you ain’t got squat. The good news is that the opposition to these law changes will go on despite you and the next Labour led government will bring back fairness and equality to our labour laws. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but that\’s what’s going to happen.

  10. tea 10
    21 August 2010 at 11:47 am

    http://www.kiwipolitico.com/2010/07/unions-are-to-capitalism-what-opposition-parties-are-to-politics/

    I feel I should repost this from Pablo at Kiwipolitico.

    And point out I heard a soundbite of Tony Abbot ruling out workchoices (hah!), but that brought down Howard who might otherwise have gone even another one.

    C’mon Kiwis stick up for yourselves!

  12. lprent 12
    21 August 2010 at 1:12 pm

    Good turnout in Auckland. More incoming. No sign of santi?

  13. nilats 13
    21 August 2010 at 2:33 pm

    [Not needed..RL]

  14. Adders 14
    21 August 2010 at 5:00 pm

    Well done to the very vocal and sizeable group of protestors that drew a lot of attention in Waikanae this morning.

  15. loota 15
    22 August 2010 at 11:10 pm

    Dunedin punched well above its weight today, our march drew anywhere from 450-550 people, with many coming in from Southland as well to make their presence felt. Not bad for a town of only 95,000 (once you take the tertiary students out). The photo on Red Alert says it all.

    And…there were a few Labour MPs plus Dunedin North nominees cruising around…

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