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Police are warning motorists to expect major disruption in central Auckland tomorrow, October 23, as thousands of essential workers take part in nationwide strike action.
A rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square, before marching down Queen Street to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.
Police say road closures and delays are expected throughout the city centre and are advising people to plan ahead, allow extra time, and avoid Queen Street where possible.
Public transport users are being urged to check Auckland Transport’s website for service changes.
Are you striking? Email:reporter@franklintimes.co.nz to tell your story
Police say they are working closely with organisers to ensure the safety of both participants and the wider public.
Tomorrow’s strike is expected to be one of the largest coordinated actions in decades, with teachers, nurses, doctors, allied health staff, school support workers and other public servants taking part at more than 40 locations nationwide.
Unions say the strike follows stalled collective bargaining across multiple sectors.
NZEI Te Riu Roa negotiation lead Liam Rutherford said the level of participation shows how widespread frustration has become across education, while health sector unions say underfunding and staff shortages are putting patients at risk.
A local teacher told the Franklin Times she will be joining the Auckland march, saying the strike is about professional respect and stability in classrooms rather than politics. She said repeated curriculum changes and inconsistent policy direction have disrupted schools and created uncertainty for students and teachers alike.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins has described the strike as “unfair, unproductive and unnecessary,” saying it will cause widespread disruption to families, students, and patients.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the latest Government offers would see most teachers earning at least $100,000 within a year, but unions had rejected the proposals.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the union representing senior doctors had walked away from an offer that would have improved pay and conditions.
