Grid of posts 2×3

  • Social networking sites: Why are they censored?

    Marika Pratley (Wellington branch of Workers Party) Julie Tyler was threatened with serious misconduct by Burger King for posting the comment “Real jobs don’t underpay and overwork like BK does” on a friend’s Facebook page. This event highlighted the limitations of democracy on the internet and social networking sites. It also brings to question limitations Read more

  • Migrant workers scammed and starved in New Zealand

    Byron Clark (member of Christchurch branch of WP and The Spark editorial committee) Fijian migrant workers who paid up to $17,000 for visas to work in New Zealand ended up foraging maize from a paddock to feed themselves. Stacey Watson, of Piopio, Waikato, who sourced workers from recruitment company ‘Til Da Cows Come Home’ told Read more

  • Workers Party statement on Canterbury earthquake disaster Wednesday February 23, 2011

    To local and international friends, supporters, and readers, Yesterday, February 22, an immense earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand’s third largest city. Currently there are 55 confirmed dead, 20 unidentified bodies, and an estimated 300 missing. The quake occurred at 12.50pm and was followed shortly after by a major aftershock. This is the second major earthquake Read more

  • Call centre workers strike to ‘make a point to all those out there struggling with the same thing’

    Call centre staff who are members of Unite Union took strike action yesterday morning against their employer Salmat (also known as Salesforce). Approximately 40 members took part in the action as part of the effort to achieve what will be their first pay rise in three years. The worksite is located at the corporate complex Read more

  • The implications of the Terrorism Suppression Act

    Jared Phillips, Co-ordinating editor, The Spark Public meetings have been held in New Zealand’s major centres to build opposition to increasing state power being used against activists and oppressed groups. Early this year the Workers Party and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) Solidarity Campaign hosted one such forum in Christchurch with Read more

  • 60 years since 1951 waterfront lockout

    February 15, 1951 was the beginning of the waterfront lockout, followed by solidarity strikes in the rail, coal, drivers and hydro industries. Its effects are still with us. The lockout was initiated by the New Zealand government and British ship owners to smash a militant working class willing to taking action for improved wages and Read more