Between 200 and 300 workers gathered in the Octagon yesterday called for the Government to end the wage freeze for state-funded workers.
Some of those joined Public Service Association clerical and administration staff and some Service and Food Workers Union members at Dunedin Hospital and marched to the Octagon.
It was the latest in a series of stoppages for both groups, and rallies were held in 27 centres around the country.
Members of those two unions were joined by New Zealand Educational Institute support staff members, and some SWFU members employed by Idea Services and supporters from the wider union movement.
The rally was addressed by union leaders and Labour MPs Clare Curran, David Parker and Pete Hodgson and some union members.
Mr Parker told the gathering the situation would increase the gap between the rich and poor in New Zealand.
Inflation did not go away when wages were frozen and recent statistics showed there had been large increases in rents in the past year.
Rents were one of the biggest costs for low-paid workers and they needed wage increases, he said.
After the speeches those at the rally shouted their agreement with a motion calling on the Government to end the wage freeze.
Dunedin Hospital management reported that staffing arrangements for the several hours of the stoppage had worked according to plan.
