Next week’s International Workers’ Day (May Day) will see workers worldwide unite in their continued fight for decent work and fair wages. Despite more than a century of progress since the historic struggles that gave birth to May Day, the fundamental issues of economic justice and workers’ rights remain pressing global concerns.

241 million workers worldwide are living in poverty, enduring harsh conditions and exploitation. Millions of working families are struggling to make ends meet while wealth increasingly concentrates at the top.

But through collective action, workers are fighting back. UnionAID’s partners across Asia and the Pacific are building worker power to win improvements in pay and conditions. Your solidarity and support makes this crucial mahi possible – thank you.

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi welcomes you to join us for Workers’ Memorial Day on Monday 28 April. At 10.30 we will gather at the Workers’ Memorial Stone, near the entrance to Te Papa on the Wellington Waterfront. Details here.

1 May 2025 – NZCTU Fight Back Together | Maranga Ake

On May Day the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi are bringing workers together across Aotearoa to celebrate the union movement and fight back against the Government’s anti-worker agenda. UnionAID will have a stall at the Wellington event at Frank Kitts park. See all events here.

3 May 2025 – May Day Concert – Unions Manawatu

Join Unions Manawatu at the Globe Theatre, Palmerston North, for a night of live music and entertainment, showcasing local talent and supporting workers’ rights. Details and tickets here.

7 May 2025 – Building worker power in Fiji’s garment industry – UnionAID’s May Day event at Hannah Playhouse in Wellington. 

Gina Lockyer, Executive Director of Living Wage Aotearoa, in conversation with Jotika Gounder-Sharma, Executive Officer of the Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC), exploring the struggles and resilience of Fiji’s garment workers and their collective fight for better pay and conditions. Details and tickets here.

Union win improves conditions for Fiji Water seafarers The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has secured a significant victory for seafarers working on vessels transporting Fiji Water. An ITF campaign launched in Australia targeted 10 ships operating with poor conditions, including barely minimum employment standards, low wages, excessive overtime, substandard living conditions, and limited opportunities for Fijian seafarers.ITF inspectors, working alongside Fijian unions, New Zealand ITF affiliates, and USA West Coast inspectors, targeted and inspected the vessels. The international pressure resulted in all 10 ships signing ITF agreements. This means seafarers aboard these vessels now have vastly improved conditions and significantly increased wages, demonstrating the power of persistent union action and international cooperation in achieving better outcomes for workers.