A seminar to mark and memorise resistance
Hundreds of thousands of people in the 1970s and 1980s in Aotearoa New Zealand participated in strikes. Yet these strikes have mostly been overlooked. Many went on strike so they could keep up with the rising cost of living and to gain dignity and respect from employers. Strikes broke national wage freezes and won many working conditions that are taken for granted today such as sick leave and redundancy payments. Yet many politicians and employers thought strikes caused inflation, unemployment, and national economic decline. And for many strikes were selfish, disruptive, and self-destructive.
Come and hear talks from those involved in strikes to learn lessons from the last big period of labour unrest in Aotearoa New Zealand history and to discuss whether strikes are still relevant today.
When: Saturday 15 November 2025, 1.00pm to 5.00pm.
Where: Room RHMZ03 (Mezzanine floor), Rutherford House, VUW Pipitea Campus, 33 Bunny St, Wellington (near the Wellington Railway Station).
Zoom: https://vuw.zoom.us/j/95381696050
Afternoon tea will be provided. Entry by $10.00 cash Koha on the door.
If you wish to pay via online payment please email Deborah.levy@vuw.ac.nz
RSVP (numbers are limited) email: stout-centre@vuw.ac.nz