New Zealand: Over 100K Public Workers Strike in Largest Labor Action Since 1979

Published 1 day ago

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Above: Education and healthcare workers gather in Aotea Square to march down Queen Street in Auckland, New Zealand, on Oct. 23, 2025. Image copyright: Fiona Goodall/Stringer/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

This strike is a selfish stunt that hurts the very people public workers claim to serve. The government has made generous offers — 76% of secondary teachers earn over NZ$100,000 ($57,425) and nurses average NZ$125,662 ($72,160) with benefits. Instead of negotiating in good faith, unions chose disruption over dialogue, forcing surgery cancellations and school closures right before crucial exams.

Eastern Times

NZ National Party on X

Opposition narrative

This historic strike by 110,000 workers exposes the government's relentless assault on public services through below-inflation wage cuts. With 65% public support, workers are fighting desperately against understaffed hospitals and under-resourced schools that endanger lives and education. The real issue isn't worker greed — it's a system prioritizing corporate profits over essential services.

Scoop News World Socialist Web Site