The All Workers Militant Front (PAME), which hundreds of private and public sector trade unions in Greece are affiliated with, salutes the thousands of public service workers in New Zealand and their union, the Public Service Association (PSA), for their strike action on 9 September, demanding pay rises and stronger public services.

Rising prices are eroding the incomes of workers and ordinary people, while cuts and staff shortages are intensifying workloads and undermining the provision of services that meet people’s needs. We, the workers, cannot accept a life of deprivation while the wealth we produce continues to grow.

In Greece, public service workers are fighting for the restoration of the 13th and 14th salary payments and for collective bargaining agreements with pay rises that meet their needs. They demand secure, permanent employment, the recruitment of permanent staff, and measures to protect health and safety in the workplace. They are fighting for fully public, free healthcare and education, against their commercialisation and underfunding.

In response to trade union demands, all governments, both liberal and social democratic, constantly invoke “what the economy can afford”. There is no money to spare for workers’ needs, yet there is plenty to boost the profits of business groups and deepen involvement in the imperialist wars of the US, NATO and the EU.

We refuse to keep paying the price of anti-people policies. From Greece to New Zealand, our strength lies in workplace organisation, militant trade unions, and class and internationalist solidarity. Your determination to fight collectively for what is rightfully yours gives courage to public service workers fighting for their rights in every country.

PAME and the public service trade unions of Greece stand by your side and wish you victory in your struggle. For wages, collective bargaining agreements and rights that meet our needs!