This site is an archived version of Indymedia prior to 5th November 2012. The current site is at www.indymedia.org.nz.

Christchurch: Loud Picket Against 90 Day Sacking Law

Submitted by Phil (not verified) on 28 February 2009 - 6:01pm

Class War
Local

Yesterday we had a really good early afternoon picket - 1-2pm - organised by the Workers Rights Campaign, a joint WP-Alliance initiative which has broadened out to involves class-struggle anarchists, SW and anyone who wants to oppose the 90-day legislation on an anti-capitalist basis.

The picket was outside National list MP Nicky Wagner's office, chosen because hers is the only National Party office anywhere near the central
city.

It would've been good if we got a dozen people to this first picket, especially given the time it was held (Friday afternoon was only option
because none of the Nat MPs' offices here are open Saturdays). In fact, I counted 24 people at one point and, with a few people coming and going, we may have had a total closer to 30.

Byron from the Workers Party was MC, and led a continuous series of chants on a big megaphone. Wagner's staff locked the doors, apparently fearing an occupation although we hadn't planned one - the occupations can wait until the first firings start.

The attendance included WP, Alliance, SW, anarchists (including from the new Aotearoa Workers Solidarity Movement), and small contingents from both the EPMU and SFWU, with their union banners, plus some high school students from Unlimited (an alternative school in the city centre).

It was a very successful picket and everybody seemed pleased/energised. More new people added their names to the WRC mailing list