Nationwide Strike: Public Sector Workers Demand Change in New Zealand

More than 100,000 public sector workers in New Zealand, including teachers, doctors, and firefighters, protested against the government's handling of public spending and resource allocation. The protests, branded the largest in decades, highlight growing dissatisfaction with the center-right government's broken promises on cost-of-living reduction and service maintenance.

In a wave of unrest, over 100,000 New Zealand public sector workers, from teachers and healthcare professionals to firefighters, staged a massive walkout on Thursday. The protesters are demanding better pay and resources, marking an escalation of dissatisfaction with the center-right government.

Public servants brandished placards and banners in towns across the nation. Protests were planned in Wellington and Christchurch, but adverse weather forced cancellations. Unions have called this the largest strike in decades, citing unmet governmental promises on living costs and service maintenance.

As discontent grows, recent opinion polls indicate a decline in support for the ruling coalition. The conservative government, in power since 2023, has aimed to reduce public spending, claiming necessary cuts are confined to back-office operations. Meanwhile, the country faces economic challenges, with contractions observed in recent quarters.

(With inputs from agencies.)