The call is out for PSA members to support nationwide Fight Back Together Maranga Ake hui on Wednesday 23 October.
PSA members work every day to make a difference. Community, health, local government and public services keep Aotearoa running and ensure we all get the support we need, rather than only those who can afford to pay.
Government cuts and unprecedented attacks on the services we provide are doing long-term damage and risk eroding public faith in these services.
Cutting the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of New Zealanders, scrapping fair pay agreements, reintroducing 90-day trials, and hiring freezes across the health system make this the most anti-worker government we’ve seen in decades.
The assault on Te Tiriti has led to an unprecedented number of Waitangi Tribunal claims.
We’ve stood together against the attacks through the media, in the courts, and on the streets. Almost a year into this Government’s term it’s clear we need to step up our resistance.
On Wednesday 23 October we’re asking you to join with union members across Aotearoa in a hui to Fight Back Together for workers’ rights and honouring Te Tiriti. Put 23 October in your diary, and organise your friends, workmates and whānau to be there.
Gatherings are being held in the following areas: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Greymouth, Dunedin and Invercargill. Details are still being worked on – keep an eye on the PSA’s Fight Back Together Maranga Ake website as a one-stop-shop for information.
Will we see you there?
YES, I’M COMING
This is going to be big. Unions haven’t come together like this since 2010 when the John Key Government first proposed extending 90-day trials to anyone.
We know mobilisations like this are effective. Christopher Luxon and his coalition Government have been rocked more than once in their first year by communities turning out for what they believe in.
Fight Back Together has the potential to send a clear message that we stand against the Govermment’s extreme anti-worker and anti-Te Tiriti policies. And we stand in solidarity for a flourishing Aotearoa that rests on the foundation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and honours workers’ rights, and well-resourced public, health, community, and local government services.
As union members we know our strength is in our unity and our numbers. That’s why it’s so important for you to be there 23 October. Let the NZCTU know you’re coming here
Public service, community, and health workers have a right to take political action
We support your right to be politically active and this is also codified in the Public Service Act 2020. You can do so safely by ensuring you familiarise yourself with and follow your agency’s code of conduct. Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission website contains guidelines you may find useful.
When you are expressing personal political views remember to ensure you avoid:
- identifying yourself with your work, including wearing logos, lanyards or uniforms associated with your work
- giving the impression you’re giving the view of your agency when it’s your own view
- revealing advice given to Ministers/Councillors that is not public
- disclosing information from your work which is not public
- using your employer’s resources, e.g. email, printer, or your work-provided devices to share, like or comment on PSA social media posts
- associating your work with personal posts on social media – including professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
If you need any further advice, please contact your PSA delegate or organiser.
How you can take part
Hui are being coordinated by the NZCTU and supported by affiliated unions, including the PSA. Some unions will be organising members’ attendance using paid stop work meetings – the PSA will not be doing this
To make our presence as visible as possible we are developing banners and placards for the event and stocking up on PSA flags. Local union members will hold placard painting sessions. We will update you on these sessions once details have been finalised.
If you can’t make the hui
For those who can’t make hui you can also support hui on the PSA’s social media channels. Please do this on your own device and avoid using work supplied devices to maintain separation from your work and your personal political activity and comply with Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission guidelines on the use of social media. We’ll be in touch with ideas and images to help.
Keeping you updated
Organisation of the hui is a work in progress for all unions involved including the PSA. Things will develop. As preparations for the hui ramp up, we will keep you updated via newsletters, social posts and on our Fight Back Together webpage on all developments. So please keep an eye out for the updates!
You can also register for updates at the NZCTU’s Fight Back Together Maranga Ake website.
