Workers stand to lose, Dunedin protest told (+ video)

Protesters outside National list MP Michael Woodhouse’s office. Photo by Craig Baxter.
Protesters outside National list MP Michael Woodhouse’s office. Photo by Craig Baxter.
A protest outside the office of the city's only National MP made its presence felt in central Dunedin yesterday as trade ministers from around the world gathered in Auckland to sign the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement.

About 100 people congregated outside list MP Michael Woodhouse's Princes St office around lunchtime chanting slogans and waving placards.

Maritime Union of New Zealand communications officer Victor Billot told the Otago Daily Times that "owners and bosses'' stood to benefit and workers would lose under the TPP.

Among its many potential impacts, the TPP could hurt attempts to rejuvenate New Zealand coastal shipping industry, Mr Billot said.

The deal was anti-democratic and exposed New Zealand to litigation from big business interests if governments took actions that did not suit big corporations.

Mr Billot said he was surprised by the turnout in Dunedin yesterday, especially of young people and women.

TPP Action Dunedin spokeswoman Jen Olsen and others were collecting signatures for a Dunedin TPP-free petition, which had more than 300 signatures.

When it had 1000 signatures, the group planned to ask the Dunedin City Council to make the declaration on behalf of the city.

eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement