Close to 2000 workers rallied at Parliament today to protest against National MP Wayne Mapp's 90 Day probation bill. "Continuous rain didn't stop unionists protesting in Parliament grounds today. They came by the busload, mostly EPMU workers but also a few SFWU, AUS, PPTA, Dairy worker, NDU and others. There were also quite a few school kids, interested members of the public and a colourful street theatre effort by anarchists acting as National supporters." [ Report by Don Franks ]

The Wildcat Anarchist Collective distributed a leaflet in which they point out that "National and Labour are very similar; they just differ in their tactics. National would like to strip workers of many of their rights, and propose 'work for the dole' schemes for those not working. Labour prefers to deny or reduce benefits like it did with 'Jobs Jolt' and appears to be proposing with the Single Core Benefit, or the corporate welfare of the 'Working for Families' package which is taking the pressure off employers to pay a living wage." [ Leaflet ]

There will be a rally and march in Christchurch this Saturday (Victoria Square, 12 noon) and a rally in Auckland next month (23rd August, 12:30pm, Aotea Square). Time to ORGANISE!

Update: Photos and a video from the Wellington rally

Links: Work Rights | Indymedia Feature April 06 | CTU | Rank and File blog | Labourstart