New Zealand

New Zealand Perspectives 2012

Details: Published: Monday, 16 April 2012 05:31; Written by Socialist Appeal Editorial Board

The dramatic events that have been witnessed on the world stage; whether it be the marvellous beginnings of the Arab revolution, the upswing in the class struggle in Europe due to the euro crisis or the re-awakening of the class struggle in the United States have been seen by most New Zealanders, until recently, as being very distant affairs.

The New Zealand Bourgeoisie and their apologists have been painting a picture that New Zealand escaped lightly from 2008 economic recession. Throughout 2011 the National-led government has been promising spectacular growth and an export led recovery. As in previous years this has not materialised. One thing is absolutely clear on the basis of New Zealand capitalism this is not going to materialise!

MILITANCY PAYS! – VICTORY FOR THE PORTS OF AUCKLAND WORKERS!

Details: Published: Tuesday, 03 April 2012 10:24; Written by Miles Lacey

In a major victory for the Maritime Union of New Zealand the Employment Court ruled on March 21^st, 2012, that Port of Auckland were no longer permitted to continue with redundancy proceedings against union workers and they were no longer permitted to advertise for contract workers or hire contract workers from Drake Personnel Limited or Allied Workforce Limited. The Employment Court ruled that the workers who lost their jobs had to be reinstated and their wages backdated to the time strike action began.

Kapiti Coast District Council : When Wages Go Bad!

Details: Published: Wednesday, 07 March 2012 22:16; Written by Miles Lacey

CEO 18.2% Pay Rise Council Workers 1.2% Pay Rise

On February 7th, 2012, about 300 protesters marched to the Kapiti Coast emergency management building after it was revealed last week that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kapiti Coast District Council Patrick Doherty was given a $44,000 increase in his salary.　 This generated a great deal of outrage in a local authority where approximately a third of its residents are NZ Superannuation recipients who earn around $20,235 a year [1].

Maximum Support For Sacked Auckland Wharfies: Who's Next?

Details: Published: Thursday, 08 March 2012 23:39; Written by Miles Lacey

The Ports of Auckland announced on March 7^th, 2012, that it was making the 300 striking workers at the Ports of Auckland redundant and contracting out their jobs to scabs (contract workers). In justifying this decision the Ports Chairman Richard Pearson claimed this would lead to increased productivity improvements resisted by the Maritime Union. Mr Pearson claims the port will be fully operating in about ten weeks’ time when the contractors from Drake and AWF (formerly Allied Work Force) Group are brought up to standard.

Bosses Go on the Offensive : Time to Fightback

Details: Published: Tuesday, 06 March 2012 00:08; Written by Socialist Appeal Editoral Board

The start to 2012 has not been a dull affair as far as the class struggle is concerned. The bosses are going on the offensive to drive down wages and conditions in order to boost their profits (the unpaid labour of the working class).

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