Message of solidarity from NZNO to the Australian Nursing Federation.

November 14, 2005

Dear Jill [ANF national secretary Jill Illiffe], On behalf of NZNO president Marion Guy, the board of directors and our 40,000 members, I wish to send a strong message of solidarity to ANF members across Australia and to wish you all the best for the National Day of Community Action tomorrow.

We are aware that ANF members and members in your state and territory branches are fighting the new industrial relations laws Prime Minister John Howard's Government is bringing in, which are an unprecedented attack on the working rights of Australians.

We support you in this struggle tomorrow and in the on-going battle against this unfair attack on your members' rights.

In 1991 the Employment Contracts Act became law in New Zealand. The impact on our members" pay and conditions was huge and preceded an exodus from nursing, as pay and conditions spiralled down in real terms. Our members know what this sort of legislation does to nursing and are behind you in your fight.

Tomorrow NZNO representatives will participate in rallies at the Australian High Commissions in Wellington and Auckland.

In solidarity, Geoff Annals, NZNO chief executive