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More than 100,000 essential workers across the country are striking today in what unions describe as one of the largest coordinated actions in decades, calling on the Coalition Government to properly fund public services.
Teachers, nurses, doctors, allied health staff, school support workers, firefighters, and public servants are among those taking part in over 40 rallies from Kaitaia to Invercargill, including a major Auckland march from Aotea Square to Te Komititanga Square.
The action follows stalled collective-agreement negotiations across multiple sectors. Union leaders say the strike reflects growing frustration over staff shortages, pay restraint, and under-resourced services.
A local Auckland teacher told the Franklin Times she would be joining today’s march, saying the strike is about “professional respect and stability” rather than politics.
“We strike because we care about education,” she said. “Our students deserve continuity, respect, and teachers who are supported to do their job well.”
Public Service Minister Judith Collins has described the strike as “unfair, unproductive and unnecessary.”
“The strike will not help anyone,” she said.
“It is a stunt targeting the Government, but the people paying the price are the thousands of patients who have had appointments and surgeries cancelled, and the hundreds of thousands of kids who will miss another day at school.”
Education Minister Erica Stanford says the latest offer to teachers would see 66 percent of trained primary teachers and 76 percent of secondary teachers earning base salaries of at least $100,000 within the next year.
“Teachers, parents and students all deserve better,” she said. “Unions are letting them down by not bargaining in good faith and spreading misinformation.”
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the union representing senior doctors walked away from an offer that included a 5 percent pay rise over two years and a $40 million workforce fund.
Collins said the Government had made “fair offers at the limits of what is affordable” and urged unions to return to the bargaining table.
Police have advised motorists to expect significant delays in central Auckland, with road closures around Queen Street during the lunchtime march.
Public transport users are encouraged to check Auckland Transport for detours and timetable updates.
