Sharon Clair Address to 90 Day Bill Rally, 20th July 2006

Sharon Clair

Sharon Clair, CTU Vice President Maori.
Address to 90 Day Bill Rally, Parliament, 20th July 2006

Tena koutou katoa, Nga mihi nui ki a koutou

How grand you all are to be here on this wintry Whanganui a tara day.  Around the country today worker solidarity keenly and expectantly informs society about the false carrot bill. 

Once again we are being told what is best for us.  This bill dangles a false carrot because it proposes this will be good for Maori  particularly young Maori by creating work.  All that is on offer is a  stick that takes away rights. This an insult to our intelligence.

Casual insecure work is not what’s best for us, we need security in employment and security in our working rights.  It is time for legislation to be balanced and fully thought through.  Anyone who cares about a fair share and a fair go will see that this bill is nothing more than another way to ensure those with the wealth keep the wealth those with good health keep the good health, those who enjoy comfortable living standards will continue to enjoy what we all strive for.  This bill is not helpful this bill is harmful.

We are serious about denouncing injustice.  We demonstrate peacefully letting you all know that we will not go quietly into the dark world of dehumanising for profit.
How can any discussion that removes any human rights for any period of time and in any form be disguised as good.

Freedom is not gained from restriction and limitation.

I ask on behalf of all workers particularly Maori workers, current, present and past that all politicians value our contribution to building a balanced and decent economy.

Do not support this bill if you care about us, do not support this bill if you want Maori to prosper do not support this bill if you believe our work is worth protecting.

No reira
Kia tau te rangimarie Ki a koutou katoa
Kia ora