New Zealand: Unionized teachers plan to strike and protest nationwide March 16

Event

Unionized teachers from the Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) and New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI Te Riu Roa) plan to strike across New Zealand March 16 to call for better pay and working conditions. Organizers expect around 50,000 teachers to participate in the action. The strike will likely result in disruption to education services, including possible school closures. Increased absenteeism is possible among employees who are parents of school-aged children during the walkout.

Organizers have called for related demonstrations nationwide from 11:00 March 16. Participants in Auckland plan to march to Aotea Square via Queen and Fort streets, while activists in Wellington will gather at the parliament, and potentially at the Ministry of Education. Rallies could occur at schools, major government buildings, public squares, parks, and roadways in other towns and cities. A few hundred people could participate in each gathering. Authorities will likely deploy to affected sites and monitor any demonstrations. Violence is unlikely, though protests could lead to localized traffic disruptions.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Plan for possible localized transport disruptions. Seek alternative routes to circumvent gathering locations. Heed all official security and transport advisories.