New Zealand mega strike': 100,000 public sector workers demand better conditions

"An estimated 100,000 nurses, teachers and public sector staff walked off the job in New Zealand on Thursday to call on the government to better fund and resource public services, in one of the country's largest ever strikes. The so-called mega strike brought together workers from multiple sectors, including more than 60,000 school teachers, 40,000 nurses and salaried medical specialists and 15,000 public service staff."

"Patients should not have to be harmed, or die, before things improve, Becks Kelsey, a nurse, told a rally in Auckland. We demand the government invests in the very fabric of our community, not cut the threads that hold it together. Secondary school teacher Paul Stevens told the rally teachers were leaving the profession and country they love because they have just had enough and they don't feel valued."

"Members from multiple unions voted to strike after collective bargaining with the coalition government stalled. While each union has demands specific to their sector, the complaints were broadly consistent: inadequate pay, unsafe staffing levels, not enough resources, and poor working conditions that put the wellbeing of workers, patients and children at risk. We fear for the safety of our patients, Noreen McCallan, a nurse in Hawke's Bay, said in a statement."

Around 100,000 public sector workers in New Zealand, including teachers, nurses and medical specialists, staged one of the country's largest strikes to demand greater funding and resourcing. Tens of thousands attended rallies nationwide despite extreme weather, calling for investment in education and health to prevent harm to patients and to retain staff. Unions say collective bargaining stalled with the coalition government and list consistent complaints: inadequate pay, unsafe staffing levels, insufficient resources and poor working conditions. Workers warn that teacher attrition and compromised patient safety reflect sustained underinvestment in essential public services.

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