Where’s the “Oomph”?

Written By: - Date published: 2:04 pm, October 6th, 2024 - 92 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, health, Privatisation, Shane Reti, Unions - Tags: , ,

As I spent nights and the weekend furiously drawing up different protest slogans, creating “No Privatisation” Facebook pages, organising and writing Reddit posts to advertise an upcoming 23-October NZCTU protest, I wondered to myself?

“Where are the unions to the non-union members?”

“Where are the opposition parties to the public?”

“What is happening?”

And yet I know the answer to one of those questions.

I research political developments all the time, and invariably find that the Greens and Labour have made comments about the government’s policies – often very good points – but they hardly ever make it to the media channels.

The corporatisation of media, and the earlier “promises” from David Seymour in February/March – where he warned TVNZ should pay dividends despite its financial issues and called our media “hateful” in an episode with Sean Plunkett who called for a “pogrom” ie. massacre of those who criticised the government, have had an effect, it appears.

Still – even without the media – I feel it’s important to get the message out.

This government plans to privatise healthcare.

On Friday, Luxon and Reti again spoke up about the benefits of health privatisation up after Health NZ – who is now run singularly by a Luxon appointed individual who previously championed running health as a business – “recommended” that option to the government.

Privatisation has already started in our education sectors with significant funding for charter schools, non-transparency protection to them, and allowance to take from state schools and in social housing. But that’s not all.

This government is making sure profits are made by corporates and socialising the losses e.g the oil and gas ban repeal where taxpayers are on the hook for billions of dollars of decommissioning costs, and Chris Bishop is now underwriting private developers after killing off many Kainga Ora builds – which taxpayers would have owned.

This government spent $268,000 – $3720 per page to come up with a report that said Dunedin hospital is unaffordable.

Yet that report was easily debunked by Dunedin’s Mayor – the government’s consultants had included out-of-scope items to make it look more expensive.

There are so many holes and lies in their stories, it’s becoming larger than a single planet.

So where is the oomph? Where is the participation, promotion and energy to arouse a broader coalition across the country?

Because I think our country deserves not to go down the path of the UK Tories and their demolition of England’s National Health Service under the guise of austerity i.e. no money.

Where are our opposition party’s ground roots movements and campaigns?

Where is the longer than an hour protests – and not on a weekday?

Where is the OOMPH, New Zealand?

It’s so great the NZCTU has organised this protest but can we see more of the strategic planning behind it please?

PS

There are things to be answered about the 23-October protests:

  1. Can the union movement and opposition parties work with us, to protest privatisation by stealth (not only of healthcare, but our education, our social housing?)
  2. Will someone advise why Christchurch has two locations advertised?
  3. Will there be a march along Lambton Quay first in Wellington?
  4. Why only an hour? And on a week-day?
  5. Is a single issue protest on the cards? Or is there a risk of dilution?

Is it possible, I wonder, that we need a refresh of energy in our collective leftist movements? Hell, I hate labels, but if I have to be called a leftie to partner, I am willing. And waiting.

So is much of the country – this is a unifying theme and we should all be paying attention to it.

92 comments on “Where’s the “Oomph”? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. thinker 1
    6 October 2024 at 2:49 pm

    The CoC is making hay while the sun shines and will continue to do so for as long as it has no opposition.

    Playing devil's advocate on behalf of the swinging voter,

    • The Green Party are still in limbo, and the country still paying the wages, in relation to Darleen Tana, 6 months after suspending her
    • TPM seems to putting it's energy into radical opposition to various aspects of the parliament it should have sworn to uphold, given it stood candidates offering to represent constituents as members of the parliament.
    • A full 12 months into this political term, and 18 months out from when it needs to be offering the country a better alternative and Labour still appears, at least IMHO, to be trying to work out why the country turned against them in 2023.

    In my opinion, this is a good part of the CoCs free rein in unashamedly kicking the bottom 90%.

    Maybe that's a bit exaggerated, but there just doesn't feel to be a coalition of a genuine opposition yet and times running out.

  2. gsays 2
    6 October 2024 at 5:00 pm

    I hear yr anguish MT.

    If I understand you correctly, when you are asking "Why only an hour? And on a week-day?"

    I would say it's to get initial engagement from workers. From the email I got from E Tu "These hui will be an important milestone in the union movement’s ongoing mobilisation to stand up, fight back, and stay united in the face of attacks."
    From reading that, I take it that it's a starter with a view to build towards something more substantial.

    I get what you are saying about the many and varied clusterfucks this regime is presiding over. The question I have is, let's say folk are upset enough to vote for industrial action, what do we demand/ask for?

    • Mountain Tui 2.1
      7 October 2024 at 1:06 pm

      Kia Ora gsays

      For some reason at the moment I think what we need is widescale turnout and a strong forceful message at the protest.

      Industrial action is a later step – the first is to harness the people and the power behind this to say no.

      That's why I have complained above of sorts – this is an opportunity. USE IT. And that goes for the opposition parties too.

      • gsays 2.1.1
        7 October 2024 at 4:28 pm

        Yep, all good.

        I will repeat my offer for anyone in the Manawatu that wants to go.

        I will have a 10 seater van and can pick up and drop off before and after the meeting.

        I'm happy for the mods to pass on my email to anyone that is interested.

    • georgecom 2.2
      7 October 2024 at 4:08 pm

      They are "stop work meetings" under provision of section 26 of the Employment Relations Act. Such meetings can happen twice a year and for 2 hours maximum per time. 2 hours includes travel time, hence why the meetings are for an hour.

      • Mountain Tui 2.2.1
        7 October 2024 at 4:34 pm

        Thank you for this answer and that's crazy to have unions weakened with such regulations. I wonder if the union movement can consider just holding a generalised protest or maybe that's for the opposition parties to do.

  3. Jenny 3
    6 October 2024 at 10:25 pm

    Fantastic and timely post.

    The health worker unions Nures/Drs cannot save the not for profit public health system by themselves.

    If we want to keep a public health system we will have to fight for it.
    The public health sector unions, Drs,/Nurses etc. can't do it alone. The Drs/Nurses must have the support of the wider union movement, especially the private sector unions.

    If nurses or Drs, or other health sector workers go on strike against cuts to the health system, the employers and their government save revenue. It's no skin off their nose, if the people who rely on the public health system suffer.
    Most National MPs and employers, well they have private health insurance. So they couldn't care less if Nurses or Drs went on strike.

    If private sector workers go on strike, it's a different story, the employers and their government lose revenue.

    The lesson is clear – Every nurse and Dr strike needs to be backed up with private sector solidarity strikes, and pickets. See how quickly the government back down, when the private sector bosses are banging on their door demanding the end of the strikes.

    Stand Up! Fight Back!

    • Jenny 3.1
      6 October 2024 at 11:48 pm

      Where’s the “Oomph”?

      By: Mountain Tui

      Indeed.

      I am old enough to remember when the union movement had 'Oomph'.

      I remember when unions struck over more than just their own narrow sector interests.

      I remember a time when solidarity strikes were a thing.

      I remember when an injury to one was an injury to all.

  4. Drowsy M. Kram 4
    6 October 2024 at 10:30 pm

    NAct's raison d'etre is to feed greed, hence the ever more urgent self-serving need to offer up public services/assets to private capital, with inequality as a byproduct.

    [2013] Minister of Finance English [also author of a scathing 2024 'independent' review of Kāinga Ora's supposed ills – the cure being (surprise) privatisation] and Minister for State Owned Enterprises Ryall, discussing the sale of shares in Mighty River Power. Ryall wipes a tear away from his eye. Refers to news reports that despite the govt's promises that the majority of shareholders would be 'Mum and Dad' investors, only 2% of Kiwis purchased shares in Mighty River Power as part of the controversial, partial privatisation of the state-owned company.

    https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22431320

    The neoliberal endgame is to privatise anything (public health services, ACC, education, housing, electricity, water, transport, prisons, etc.) that can be made to turn a buck.

    Explaining the Proliferation of U.S. Billionaires During the Neoliberal Period [2023]
    Keywords: Billionaires, wealth, inequality, neoliberalism

    Govts of all stripes everywhere seem unwilling or unable to formulate alternatives to neoliberalism that are pallatable to those who have done well (thank you) by neoliberalism, and who are (coincidentally?) over-represented in our CoC govt.

    9. Public Services—Privatisation [21 July 2009]

    9. GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central) to the Minister of State Services: Is it Government policy to privatise the delivery of public services?

    Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of State Services) : We want to have a strong and efficient Public Service, and we will continue the long-time practice of contracting out in areas where that benefit taxpayers and consumers.

    Grant Robertson: Will he rule out the privatisation of key public services, in particular, in the areas of education, health, and housing?

    "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." – Santayana

  5. Muttonbird 5
    6 October 2024 at 11:15 pm

    It's hard to get oomph on broad, general issues when people are already distracted and stretched. Most people don't understand nebulous incrementalisms like dismantling the health system. Except Maori, who understand very well when colonists are attacking them.

    But while they don't rally around broad concepts, they do rally around acute betrayals like the Dunedin Hospital.

    Mr Snapchat has released 149 fast track projects to the public in PDF form. He's asking the public to now do the job of oversight of these projects, once the job of council and government officials (now sacked), expertise which we pay for.

    With the fast track bill they've taken the role of checking whether the projects stack up away from this whose job it is to do just that and placed it on an already stretched civilian public to fight against what isn't a good idea.

    People aren't going to march against the fast track bill but they will march against Ports of Auckland running wharves deeper and deeper into the Waitematā Harbour.

    Bishop is abandoning any kind of select committee and submission process in favour of direct action on the street.

    • Anne 5.1
      7 October 2024 at 11:22 am

      Most people don't understand nebulous incrementalisms like dismantling the health system.

      Absolutely true and I'm sad to say it is something 'left leaning' parties often fail to take into consideration. On the other hand, the 'right' picked up on it back in the 1970s. Muldoon used it with huge success.

      When you have a media scenario where clickbait has become the most important requisite for success, then its time the opposition parties learned to frame their responses to government actions based on that consideration.

      In short, whack them hard where it most hurts and if they scream whack them some more. For many voters that is the only language they understand.

    • Mountain Tui 5.2
      7 October 2024 at 1:05 pm

      I think this is the topic to do it with Muttonbird – I think they will do it quietly but Kiwis fundamentally understand what it means.

      At least protest before the water is poisoned.

    • Vivienne ball 5.3
      8 October 2024 at 10:17 am

      I so agree.

      I've noticed people commenting on the fact that their friends/family say they notice people wasting time at a government department so some people should loose their job, and that we can't afford this or that. They are not seeing the underlying philosophy behind the governments actions, and don't understand the long term implications

      Viv Ball

  6. Jenny 6
    7 October 2024 at 12:05 am

    "Hell, I hate labels, but if I have to be called a leftie to partner, I am willing. And waiting." Mountain Tui

    I an quiet comfortable with being labeled a 'leftie' and I would be honoured to partner with you.

    Here is an old 'leftie' saying, you may have heard it:

    Workers who strike left, vote left.

    (That's because nothing teaches you which side your on like a strike), .

  7. Jenny 7
    7 October 2024 at 12:17 am

    “This government plans to privatise healthcare.” Mountain Tui

    The privatisation of of our health cares is something that should concern everybody.

    1. Can the union movement and opposition parties work with us, to protest privatisation by stealth (not only of healthcare, but our education, our social housing?)

    Yes. The opposition parties 'Can' call out their membership to go along to support the CTU October 23 rallies. Don't be a bystander. Let the Labour and Green Party members bring their banners and flags to show their solidarity with working people. And also give this government with an eye on the next election a bit of scare.

    2. Will someone advise why Christchurch has two locations

    A good question. I would mind an answer to that one as well. (Seems like a tactical error to me). But not one that can't be fixed, even if necessary on the day.

    3. Will there be a march along Lambton Quay first in Wellington?

    Bloody good idea. Bringing the inner city to a halt for a march might convince the government that their policies are unpopular. And they should back track.

    4. Why only an hour? And on a week-day?

    Indeed, why only an hour, when much more time is needed to discuss more thatn one single issue and pass resolutions on it. We need a whole working day. (or at the very least, half a day).
    I support the stoppage being on a weekday, otherwise it is not a stoppage.

    I'd advise everyone, union/non-union to take the whole day off. Nothing captures the attention of an employer's goverment more than an interruption to the flow of profit making, even just for a day.

    Let's give this right wing government a fright.

    5. Is a single issue protest on the cards? Or is there a risk of dilution?

    At 50 minutes, there would be no time for more than one resolution to be passed, and only one issue to be voted on. (See question 4.)

    • Mountain Tui 7.1
      7 October 2024 at 9:45 am

      There was a lot of discussion in the circles I read that a weekend is actually good because that's how to bring everyone along – and people power means something too!

      As unions, the first thought is to strike or stop action, but I'd argue for now momentum is what counts. People power. Visible strength and unity.

      I really appreciate your thoughts, Jenny and also – the motto you shared above!

    • Belladonna 7.2
      8 October 2024 at 11:13 am

      I'd advise everyone, union/non-union to take the whole day off. Nothing captures the attention of an employer's goverment more than an interruption to the flow of profit making, even just for a day.

      And will you be compensating people for a lost day's pay?

      If there is significant "interruption to the flow of profit making" employees won't get leave.

      In the current economic climate, many people will be weighing up the personal risk of attending a week-day protest.

      • Drowsy M. Kram 7.2.1
        8 October 2024 at 12:10 pm

        In the current economic climate, many people will be weighing up the personal risk of attending a week-day protest.

        I’ve weighed up “the personal risk“(?), and so will be attending the protest in Palmy, if only to bolster the numbers – it’s on my calendar.

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidarity_Forever

        • Belladonna 7.2.1.1
          8 October 2024 at 1:00 pm

          However, I gather that you're retired, so have no financial risk associated with attendance.

          • Drowsy M. Kram 7.2.1.1.1
            8 October 2024 at 2:52 pm

            yes None whatsoever – not even a bus fare. Just a little shoe ‘leather’ smiley

            But I still have skin in the ‘game’ of the employment conditions of Kiwis.

            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidarity_Forever

            • Belladonna 7.2.1.1.1.1
              8 October 2024 at 3:47 pm

              But no personal risk.

              Unlike (for example) someone who is a PSA member, employed in a government department. Where participating in illegal strike action, would dock them a day's pay, and (potentially) put their job at risk.

              Your 'skin in the game' is nothing like theirs.

              • Drowsy M. Kram …
                8 October 2024 at 7:00 pm

                Your 'skin in the game' is nothing like theirs.

                https://www.psa.org.nz/join-the-psa/

                Yes, I think I have already acknowledged that my skin in the 'game' doesn't involve any direct personal financial risk – "none whatsoever."

                But I do believe I have skin in the 'game'. I wouldn't want the DHB staff charged with providing my, or indeed any Kiwi's healthcare needs to be off their game due to deteriorating conditions of work. How about you?

                Te Whatu Ora voluntary redundancies continue Govt’s slash and burn approach to public healthcare [28 Aug 2024]

                Cuts looming for 'critical' public health services [7 Oct 2024]
                A staff member, whom RNZ has agreed not to name, said many clinical positions were already vacant.

                "We've been told it's likely we're going to lose those vacant positions – but I'm working 11 hours plus days to keep up.

                "It sounds dramatic, but there are often staff crying in the toilets because we are so worried about what's happening to our programmes."

                From my perspective, treating workers decently is part of the social contract, and unionisation can slow down the erosion of terms and conditions of work. I’m no Thatcherite – imho, there is such a thing as society.

                An important question is why the on-going erosion of work conditions is necessary. I suspect it's a (neoliberal) choice.

      • Jenny 7.2.2
        8 October 2024 at 5:29 pm

        Jenny @7.1.1

        7 October 2024 at 12:17 am

        “This government plans to privatise healthcare.” Mountain Tui

        I'd advise everyone, union/non-union to take the whole day off. Nothing captures the attention of an employer's goverment more than an interruption to the flow of profit making, even just for a day….

        Belladonna @7.2
        8 October 2024 at 11:13 am

        ….And will you be compensating people for a lost day's pay?

        If the people attending, can get the CTU to take up Mountain Tui's call to fully fund the Dunedin Hospital rebuild, with no half measures.

        Then I think most people who attend these rallies, would consider that a good investment.
        I also think that a CTU led campaign, to properly fund the Dunedin Hospital rebuild, would help secure the future of our public health system from any more planned National health cuts and privatisations. Something we would all benefit from.

      • Muttonbird 7.2.3
        8 October 2024 at 8:50 pm

        Someone who doesn't agree with collective action doesn't agree with collective action shocker. Not surprised.

        • Belladonna 7.2.3.1
          8 October 2024 at 11:13 pm

          Don't have an issue with collective action. Anyone who wishes to participate in a protest or demonstration (so long as it's peaceful) has a perfect legal and moral right to do so (assuming that they are available during the time the protest is held)

          I have an issue with people making 'recommendations' to break the law and strike – when they will bear none of the risks or costs of doing so.

          All of the union officials at the protest will be being paid to be there. All of the MPs and political party staffers will be being paid to be there. Retired people and beneficiaries will continue to get their super/benefit, if they choose to attend.

          I leave you to identify the group which will lose salary if they 'strike' for a day (as encouraged by Jenny). And, in the current economic climate, may also put their jobs at risk.

          No doubt you'd just regard them as collateral damage.

          • Muttonbird 7.2.3.1.1
            8 October 2024 at 11:20 pm

            Is it a right or a privilege to protest? You've changed your mind a few times on this thread and it has to be concluded you have no idea what is going on and are arguing in bad faith.

            • Belladonna 7.2.3.1.1.1
              9 October 2024 at 10:15 am

              It's a limited right in NZ (you have the right to protest, which is limited by laws around when, where and how). It's a privilege compared to other countries (I challenge you to try protesting against Hamas in Gaza).

              I recognize that your black and white view of the world is challenged by the many different shades of reality. But you really should try to extend your mind to understand them.

              • Drowsy M. Kram …
                9 October 2024 at 12:23 pm

                Wednesday 23 October. https://www.psa.org.nz/join-the-psa/

                Hey B (and Jenny), turns out there's a suggestion that many workers may not have to sacrifice a whole day's pay, or indeed any pay, to attend. Most rallies are scheduled to coincide with lunch breaks, so that's good news.

                The PSA Board decided that given our large size (more than 95,000+ members) and geographic spread of our membership across multiple worksites it was not practical to call paid stop work all-of-union meetings.

                So we are putting our efforts into mobilising members who can feasibly attend rallies in their lunch breaks.

                Bring out your whānau, your workmates, your friends – anyone who can make it. We're stronger when we stand together.

                https://www.psa.org.nz/our-voice/maranga-ake-fight-back-together/

                • Jenny …
                  10 October 2024 at 10:53 am

                  Passive aggresive industrial action. I like it.

                  Practicality will ensure that those lunch breaks are stretched out.

                  Whether employers intend to dock workers pay for any delay into getting back to office or factory floor, may be the tipping point for most workers to say bugger it and decide to have the rest of the day off.

              • Muttonbird …
                9 October 2024 at 7:54 pm

                Meh.

                First order of business for you in this thread was to discourage the practice of protesting. That's a National/ACT/health insurance industry take, to threaten health workers with retaliation for possibly taking a bit of time off to fight for the protection of a state health system.

                What ideology you advocate for is clear. Please don't ever pretend otherwise.

                • Belladonna …
                  10 October 2024 at 8:40 am

                  Meh. Just as ideologically blinded as ever.
                  It clearly never occurs to you that the majority of people in NZ don't agree with you.

                  • Drowsy M. Kram …
                    10 October 2024 at 12:50 pm

                    It clearly never occurs to you that the majority of people in NZ don't agree with you.

                    B, is that your opinion and a fact, or just your opinion?

                    Wouldn't most politically left- and right-leaning Kiwis, and even centrist's such as yourself [/sarc], support the right of everyone to protest about events and issues that matter to them?

                    https://teara.govt.nz/mi/public-protest/print

                    • Belladonna …
                      10 October 2024 at 1:00 pm

                      Well, if you're correct, then the majority of Kiwis will be present at the protests.

                      It will be a nice reality check for both of us.

                  • Drowsy M. Kram …
                    10 October 2024 at 1:26 pm

                    https://www.psa.org.nz/join-the-psa/

                    https://www.psa.org.nz/our-voice/maranga-ake-fight-back-together/

                    Well, if you're correct, then the majority of Kiwis will be present at the protests.

                    Not following that – you must be using "respectful centrist" logic wink

                    I'll try asking the questions again, and append some examples to the second one to make it easier.

                    It clearly never occurs to you that the majority of people in NZ don’t agree with you. – B @8:40 am

                    B, is that your opinion and a fact, or just your opinion?

                    Wouldn't most politically left- and right-leaning Kiwis, and even centrist's such as yourself [/sarc], support the right of everyone to protest about events and issues that matter to them?

                    For example, I could never be a Groundswell protestor (all that fuming and tractors), but I support their right to protest.

                    And I hope you’d support the right of PSA workers to protest, even if, as you’ve made abundantly clear, you don't agree with their union’s PoV.

                    https://teara.govt.nz/mi/public-protest/print

                    • Belladonna …
                      10 October 2024 at 1:55 pm

                      Well, we'll see if it's fact or opinion.
                      The attendance at the protests will show whether or not the majority of people in NZ agree with you (et al) and will be participating in the protests in an overwhelming majority.

                  • Drowsy M. Kram …
                    10 October 2024 at 2:24 pm

                    Well, we'll see if it's fact or opinion.
                    The attendance at the protests will show whether or not the majority of people in NZ agree with you (et al) and will be participating in the protests in an overwhelming majority.

                    Imho, your reply that doesn't address either of my questions, and seems divorced from reality, but if you're satisfied with it then so am I – readers of The Standard can decide for themselves.

                    Edit: B, I take that back, at least in regard to my first question. You do seem to be saying that it’s just your opinion for now.

                    • Belladonna …
                      10 October 2024 at 2:34 pm

                      I fail to see how testing a hypothesis using actually reported participation is divorced from reality. But, then, reality doesn't appear to play a large part in your world-view.

                  • Drowsy M. Kram …
                    10 October 2024 at 3:08 pm

                    I fail to see how testing a hypothesis using actually reported participation is divorced from reality.

                    I agree, you do indeed fail to see. What you have is an opinion, and that’s not necessarily anything special – we all have ’em.

                    That was the point of my straightforward question (fact and/or opinion?) to you @12:50 pm, and now I have your answer – ‘opinion.’

                    https://thestandard.org.nz/wheres-the-oomph/#comment-2013570

                    If you could only bring youself to answer my 2nd question @12:50 pm

                    Wouldn't most politically left- and right-leaning Kiwis, and even centrist's such as yourself [/sarc], support the right of everyone to protest about events and issues that matter to them?

          • Jenny 7.2.3.1.2
            10 October 2024 at 10:31 am

            You have a right to peaceful legal collective action, conditional on your being 'available',

            And if your employer chooses to make you not 'available?', then you have no right to peaceful legal collective action, according to Belladonna.

            Yes Massa.

            Belladonna @7.2.3.1

            8 October 2024 at 11:13 pm

            Don't have an issue with collective action. Anyone who wishes to participate in a protest or demonstration (so long as it's peaceful) has a perfect legal and moral right to do so (assuming that they are available during the time the protest is held)

            • Belladonna 7.2.3.1.2.1
              10 October 2024 at 1:58 pm

              If you are supposed to be at work, and cannot get leave, then the laws in this country say you can't protest at that time. You can, of course, protest at times when you are not scheduled for work.

              Really, Jenny, your ongoing ignorance of the law, can't be excused any longer. You've been corrected multiple times (by people whom you surely respect a great deal more than you do me).

              • Jenny …
                11 October 2024 at 6:31 am

                Belladonna @7.2.3.1.2.1

                10 October 2024 at 1:58 pm

                ……Really, Jenny, your ongoing ignorance of the law, can't be excused any longer. You've been corrected multiple times (by people whom you surely respect a great deal more than you do me).

                I am not ignorant of the 'no strike laws', Belladonna.
                Strikes have always been illegal, and always been defied.
                Strikes are the most proscribed form of peaceful protest action there is, because they work.

                In my working life, I have been involved in three wild cat strikes, and witnessed at least two more by other workers. All ended swiftly and in the workers favour.

                Though they are usualy not reported or commented on, wild cat strikes are more common than you think. They are over quickly and overwhelmingly successful. A fact employers and the government wouldn't like to be commonly known.

                And yes I have been corrected, many times, and not just in these pages. I have been told more than once, by supporters of the 'Partnership' model of trade unionism, that I am a dinosaur, that industrial action is a thing of the past, that partnership and collaboration with employers and government bring better results, for working people.

                In my experience, the opposite is true, and becoming more apparent with the passing of time.

                Because of the history of defiance by workers of the no-strike laws, some strikes are permitted. But only under narrowly cnfined condtions and regulations that limits their power and effectiveness, giving the impression that industrial action is pointless and costly. When the opposite is true.

                Illegal work stoppages are the most successful form of civil disobedience in human history.

  8. Ad 8
    7 October 2024 at 7:38 am

    Did you miss 20% of Dunedin marching?

  9. PsyclingLeft.Always 9
    7 October 2024 at 9:04 am

    Hi Mountain Tui. Another great post. You definitely put a huge personal effort into the NZ privatisation fightback ! Particularly with regard to Health. No going private Health for you !

    I like the Facebook page and…. all. Info full and on Point.

    I see yet more NZ Health Experts speaking up about what is looming….like a Health black hole ..where all the actual Health disappears

    Cuts looming for 'critical' public health services

    Public health experts fear critical programmes for disease prevention and detection could be lost or downgraded with looming budget cuts at the National Public Health Service.

    Public health campaigner Professor Boyd Swinburn – who chairs the Health Coalition Aotearoa, said it was critical work – but largely undervalued.

    A document leaked to RNZ shows the service – which oversees health promotion, disease prevention and protection – is proposing to axe staff and pull back on projects, after being stripped of millions of dollars in funding.

    Doctors Union…Standing Up !

    Public health is "frontline" – union

    The head of the senior doctor's union, Sarah Dalton, told RNZ she was so alarmed by this, she immediately wrote to management, asking for urgent clarification on the plans for public health.

    "Any idea or suggestion that what they do is secondary to an effective health service is outrageous.

    "Unfortunately I have not had a substantive response from them."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530001/cuts-looming-for-critical-public-health-services

    Nearly all people respect our Doctors, Nurses, et al….ESP our NZ Health .

    I think this fact, and what you, and many others are doing..will have Impact !

    Oh just a bit on the above Prof Boyd Swinburn ( I have great respect for him, incl his recent about nz first's Casey big tobacco Costello !)

    He and 2 others were slimed by one Carrick Graham (known associate of Cam whaleoil Slater and others. Dirty indeed !)

    Story here if you didnt know..There is more to it.

    Crushing defeat for Dirty Politics PR man with apology to defamed academics

    Graham paid former Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater to place articles on his now defunct site that attacked the University of Otago’s Doug Sellman, the University of Auckland’s Boyd Swinburn, and former Māori Smokefree Coalition director Shane Bradbrook.

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/03-03-2021/crushing-defeat-for-dirty-politics-pr-man-with-apology-to-defamed-academics

    Ok, keep up the Positive Action ! Stand Up. Fight Back !

    • Mountain Tui 9.1
      7 October 2024 at 9:42 am

      Wonderful post as usual.

      I'd also like to see more visible leadership from the leaders on this and a line up of doctors and nurses to give speeches etc.

      It should absolutely be visible and I look forward to the OOMPH of the opposition parties, the unions and the movement to show that this means something.

      • Darien Fenton 9.1.1
        7 October 2024 at 10:58 am

        I would too ; but public sector unions are bound in the most part about speaking out under various laws. Private Sector Unions like E Tu, FIRST etc do their best, and I know they will on 23rd, but most of their members will be at work, or sleeping because they already worked a nightshift. I think it is great the CTU has called for this ; it is for others to help bulk up the opposition. And of course the politicians should be visible. I can already tell you who they will be.

        • Mountain Tui 9.1.1.1
          7 October 2024 at 1:04 pm

          I think the weekday thing is unnecessary – I think this should be a massive protest and therefore a weekend is appropriate.

          But I hear you and thanks for sharing what unions can and can't do.

          Also, we need someone to stand up and speak – who is it going to be? Can you email me or contact me on Substack to advise if you know Darien?

          I am looking for leadership, organisation and I think this is the movement to do it with.

          Thank you

          • Jenny 9.1.1.1.1
            8 October 2024 at 2:51 am

            Mountain Tui @9.1.1.1

            7 October 2024 at 1:04 pm

            I think the weekday thing is unnecessary – I think this should be a massive protest and therefore a weekend is appropriate…..

            35, 000 Dunedinites marched on a Saturday and were ignored.

            If those 35,000 Dunedinites had marched against the cuts to their new hospital on a week day, they would have paralysed the city. There is nothing employers and their government hate more than a halt in the flow of profit taking, even for a day.

            The anti-nuclear ship movement is an example.

            Tens of thousands of New Zealanders marched against nuclear ships, but it wasn't until the wharfies and other unionists struck every time a nuclear ship came to port, that things really started to happen. Opposition MPs put up bills against nuclear ship visits, and government MPs crossed the floor to vote on them, destroying the government's majority, ultimately forceing a snap election.
            The last nuclear ship to visit New Zealand to dock in Wellington was greeted with a general strike that paralysed the city. The US ambassador in Wellington. complained that he couldn't get even his own embassy staff to agree to make him a cup of tea. This was the last time a nuclear warship ever visted this country.

            This is the power of work stoppages.

            Don't get me wrong. A people powered movement is important and usually comes first, before the unions will get in behind it.

            But for a people power movement to succeed it must seek out and win the support from the unions.

            Bastion Pt. is another example,

            Joe Hawk led his people to occupy the land to prevent the government developing for luxury housing. The Auckland Trades Council imposed a Green Ban in support of the occupation. Ngati Whatua activists went round all the local Auckland earth moving companies to appeal to the workers to respect the Green Ban. The day the bulldozers and trucks were supposed to turn up, and start work. None did. The government was powerless. Eventually Ngati Whatua with the support of their union allies prevailed. They not only stopped the development, the land was won back into Ngati Whatua ownership and kaitiaki.

            A negative example

            Zimbabwe had the best public health system in Africa, before it was privatised. The health workers struck against the hospital privatisations, the government sacked them and locked them out. The Zimbabwe public health system was destroyed. When Mugabe himself fell sick he was flown overseas for treatment.

            What would have saved the day, was if the private sector mine workers had struck in solidarity with the health workers.
            The government didn't care if the health workers and nurses and Drs struck.
            But they would certainly have cared if the mine unions struck, as mining is Zimbabwe's biggest revenue earner.

            The lesson for us is clear.

            Just like the anti-nuclear movement, and Ngati Whatua

            If the health workers are to save our public health system, they must get the support of the private sector workers.

            Whereas public health workers are seen as a cost to the system. private sector workers are the ones who can stop the flow of profits to the employers and income to the government.

            Public health workers will succeed in pressuring the government, only with the support of the wider unon movement.

            Only with the support of the whole union movement will we again have a fully functioning public health system to be proud of and one that we deserve.

            https://www.voanews.com/a/striking-zimbabwe-nurses-legal-challenge-dismissal/4356437.html

            • KJT 9.1.1.1.1.1
              8 October 2024 at 7:29 am

              Note that strikes, except at the point an employment contract has expired and negotiating a new one, are illegal in NZ.

              We have more repressive anti strike laws than many countries regarded as totalitarian.
              There should have been nationwide strikes the day the employment contracts Act was first proposed.

              Too late now.

              A change to our laws that came about because the powers that be, object strongly to workers having such a powerful influence on politics.

              There is no "right to withdraw your labour" to support other workers or for social justice or political reasons.

              The reason that NACT can get away with their present destruction.

              Even causing one can get you in legal trouble. Anyone proposing a strike over nuclear armed ships, for example.

              • Jenny …
                8 October 2024 at 9:07 am

                KJT @9.1.1.1.1.1

                8 October 2024 at 7:29 am

                Note that strikes, except at the point an employment contract has expired and negotiating a new one, are illegal in NZ…..

                "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty"

                The way to end unjust laws, is to defy them.

                From New Zealand Geographic:

                Blackball rose to national prominence when coal miners went on strike in February 1908.

                At the time, strikes were illegal in a system in which the Arbitration Court ruled on all labour matters.

                …..Fired up by the socialist cause, they didn’t care that strikes in New Zealand were illegal. They knew that the country couldn’t do without coal, and in the early 1900s nearly two-thirds of New Zealand’s coal came from West Coast mines. In February 1908, the miners defied the courts and bargained directly with the bosses. It was a turning point in New Zealand’s industrial history.

                https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/united-we-stand-blackball-and-the-working-class-struggle/#:

                I think we are getting to that point again, where resistance becomes duty.

                • Belladonna …
                  8 October 2024 at 11:05 am

                  Just so long as you accept that the workers (and you, if you actually are a part of a union engaging in an 'illegal' strike), are prepared to accept the consequences. Fines, loss of employment, even prosecution.

                  • Descendant Of Smith …
                    8 October 2024 at 11:18 am

                    Oooh echoes of Roger Douglas……………

                    Good to see he has acolytes willing to use the power of the state to suppress workers. Surprised you are not going completely fascist and demanding those pesky protesting beneficiaries get their benefits stopped as well.

                    Housewives – what the fuck do we do about protesting housewives – put them back in the kitchen, keep them pregnant I guess.

                    We've so gone backwards since the 80's.

                  • Jenny …
                    8 October 2024 at 2:12 pm

                    Belladonna…

                    8 October 2024 at 11:05 am

                    ……accept the consequences. Fines, loss of employment, even prosecution.

                    Oooh, with the threats. So you're not a Zionist after all, more like some sort of general-purpose far right commenter?

                    Illegal strikes are a form of peaceful civil disobedience, just like any other form of mass peaceful civil disobedience, if they are big enough, there is nothing the state can do about it.

                    It is just phyiscally impossible to drag tens of thousands of trade unionists and their supporters through the courts system.

                    The only other option is to declare martial law.

                    But you'd probably like that.

                    When the unions had 'Oomph'

                    Cybèle Locke – ‘Solidarity and the Right to Strike’: presentation given for the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage Public History Talk in April 2023.

                    It is illegal to walk off the job and support our kids when they walk out of school, demanding urgent action on climate change. It is illegal to walk off the job without notice before our collective agreement expires….

                    ….Frustrated by the low wages and limited conditions set by the arbitration system, they drew on different kinds of strike action – work stoppages, go-slows, overtime work refusal and so forth to force employers to bargain. They did so despite strikes being illegal in New Zealand.

                    …..union officials aware of incidents of racial discrimination in the workforce and organisers gained the reinstatement of Maori workers where this occurred.

                    From 1958, annual delegate conferences were organised to provide lively forums for drivers to debate current issues. As South Akld driver Neil Chapman told me, drivers gathered to “grapple with … the question of racism, women’s rights, worker’s rights, … world peace … It was not just about pay and conditions but the betterment of mankind, global issues.”2 General Foods Driver Rameka Harris reflected: “The Northern Drivers’ Union was one of the most democratic unions I’ve ever worked with …

                    [In fact trade unions are the largest voluntary democratic organisations on earth, dwarfing all standing armies in the world, in magnitude, by a factor of nine. – 251 million vs. 27.4 million. Some armed forces are not voluntary, and none are organised democratically.
                    No army, ever asked its soldiers to vote on whether to go to war, or launch a repression]

                    Incensed by the New Zealand Rugby Football Union’s racial discrimination when selecting teams to play South Africa, drivers took part in the 1959 “No Maoris, No Tour” campaign. In May 1960, peaceful demonstrators in Sharpeville were shot down by police and the press brought the reality of South African apartheid home to the outside world. Northern Drivers’ anti-apartheid support can be traced from this moment…..

                    The FoL called on the government to cancel the 1960 tour.5 The Seafarers’ Union went further, stopping work for 24 hours to protest the massacre.6

                    [another illegal strike]

                    ….legal stop work meetings, [like the ones being called on the 23rd, this month] a condition drivers had won from their employers by using illegal strike action in 1969…

                    [all the stopwork meetings where workers had their democratic say, and decided on the issues of the day, were 'illegal' before that date]

                    Petrol, beer, cement and refrigerator drivers took strike action in 1970, and weathered threats of deregistration from the arbitration system……

                    The Northern Drivers committed to solidarity strike action with the Seamen’s Union after North Shore Transport Company manager Leo Dromgoole had sacked all crew on the Auckland–Waiheke Island ferry Manu-wai; drivers refused to deliver fuel to the Company. Dromgoole gained a common-law injunction to force people back to work but the Drivers and Seafarers’ unions ignored the injunction. They knew they had the backing of FoL and Labour Party annual conferences, which had condemned the use of injunctions against unions. Dromgoole then applied to have the government seize the assets of both Seamens’ and Northern Drivers’ unions and arrest their secretaries; Justice Peter Mahon ordered Bill Andersen’s arrest and he was taken to Mt Eden prison.

                    Word spread and the following day, about 20,000 Auckland industrial workers downed tools and walked off the job; Auckland city lost $1.6 million in profits that day. Prime Minister Norman Kirk was so concerned that Auckland anti-injunction strikes would spread nationwide, he prepared to declare a State of Emergency and call in the army…..

                    [All these illegal strikes, Belladonna. But as you can see, the unions aren't cowed by your threats.]

                    Governments can make all sorts of union action illegal, with heavy legal penalaties, and even, in fascist authoritarian states, make trade unions themselves completey illegal. But working people are not deterred.

                    Because, there is power in the union;

                  • Jenny …
                    9 October 2024 at 6:36 am

                    What is a strike?

                    noun

                    1. a refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to gain a concession or concessions from their employer.

                      "dockers voted for an all-out strike"

                    A strike is a 'protest'

                    I would argue that strikes are the most effective form of protest.

                    'Why most strikes, are illegal.?'

                    Because they get results.

                    The other thing about strikes is they are dcided democraticaly.

                    Things that get results. Democracy. Two of my most favourite things.

                    The CTU has called a nationwide two hour work stoppage, for the 23rd of October 2024. The CTU's call for a nationwide stoppage is relatively unprecedented protest action by the CTU.

                    The CTU haven’t announced as yet what they want to achieve with this protest stoppage.

                    But whatever their demands are; Let us witness if this protest gets the results they want, or whether more protest actions like this are needed.

              • Mountain Tui …
                8 October 2024 at 11:01 am

                Thanks for informing, KjT

                • KJT …
                  8 October 2024 at 3:31 pm

                  Some time ago now a senior worker in the campany I was in at the time was hounded to the point of mental illness through the courts by the company. His crime. Organising work to rules to try and prevent our super scheme from being burgled. Even though judgements, eventually, were in his favour it took a huge toll on him.

                  The legal, but totally unethical, theft of company super schemes from those who contributed, was how several, later to be knighted, asset strippers made their fortunes. Closing down viable companies to liquidate their assets, including super schemes which often was the most lucrative asset remaining, was a feature of the great public and private assets theft and fire sales of the Neo-Liberal "reforms".

        • Descendant Of Smith 9.1.1.2
          8 October 2024 at 10:51 am

          If only we'd had a Labour government that supported workers and gave us back the right to strike. Sadly two successive Labour Governments failed to even remotely do this.

          Maybe because they are the ones who took our right to do so away in the first place.

          And now you want unions to break the law and get sued by employers – cause Roger Douglas and his ilk made it quite clear that he would ensure the unions went broke if they did this.

          Labour still wedded to neo-liberalism – all smoke and mirrors they are. What worker votes and offer very little in return.

  10. Mountain Tui 10
    7 October 2024 at 1:10 pm

    Folks are asking if there is any in Whanganui too.

    • Erin Polaczuk 10.1
      7 October 2024 at 4:20 pm

      Kia ora Mountain Tui,

      Feel free to message or call me, really keen to discuss your questions. Thanks for spreading the news about FIGHT BACK TOGETHER on 23 October!

      Many unions are holding a 'stop work' meeting at the same time, and this has some legal rules around it, which explains the duration etc of the hui.

      Each union will have their main issue that brings members and supporters out on the day. Some are Fighting Back for public health funding, Fighting Back against attacks on Te Tiriti, Fighting back against the removal of fair pay agreements. There are a lot of attacks on working people, so the hui will focus on 5 main issues. Despite this, unions are committed to doing this together; an injury to one is an injury to all.

      It's the start of something, and I love the call for all up weekend events.

      Currently unionisation rates are about 1 in 4-5 workers. This has to grow. A combination of the 90s neo liberal attacks on workers and restrictive legislation after that, means that we're not as strong as we need to be. We're hoping workers who haven't yet connected with a union will come along on 23 October too, as well as those who aren't in work or are in unpaid care work.

      Thank you for your passion and analysis, and I'm keen to talk!

      • Mountain Tui 10.1.1
        7 October 2024 at 4:36 pm

        It is my pleasure. I will be in contact. Thank you for the response and together we can all be stronger!

      • Darien Fenton 10.1.2
        8 October 2024 at 4:03 am

        What you said Erin. Thanks and thanks Mountain Tui for being open.

        • Mountain Tui 10.1.2.1
          8 October 2024 at 10:59 am

          Thank you for helping me understand more so we can bridge the understandings and approach too – it makes it more effective, I believe, or at least I hope. Cheers.

          • Jenny 10.1.2.1.1
            9 October 2024 at 9:17 am

            Where’s the “Oomph”?

            Written By: Mountain Tui – Date published:2:04 pm, October 6th, 2024 –

            As I spent nights and the weekend furiously drawing up different protest slogans,…

            As well as protest slogans have you thought of handing out a leaftlet explaining your demands to the union members attending these rallies. And asking for their support.
            I would be happy to help hand out such a leaflet here in Auckland. Maybe we can heal the North Island South Island divide by taking action in soldidarity with your campaign in Dunedin. What do you think?

            P.S. I am also happy to give a donation to help with the cost of printing.

          • Drowsy M. Kram 10.1.2.1.2
            9 October 2024 at 9:25 am

            I can't lose a day's pay, but (like Jenny @10.1.2.1.1) happy to donate if there is a mechanism to do so. One more good thing about this protest is the two-week window still open for organising/campaigning to make the meetings/protests as effective as possible, so thanks to all, including Erin, Darien, Jenny, and Mountain Tui in particular, for exploring the issues.

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