First there were the nurses.

Then yesterday the teachers.

Both undeniably groups of highly respected and committed professionals.

They wouldn't go on strike for the hell of it.

They're not any other bolshie bunch of unionists.

They went on strike because that respect has been eroded and their professionalism challenged by work conditions.

But then both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition questioned the need for this week's strike. Premature, said Jacinda Adern, the teacher should have kept negotiating.

And strikes don't make New Zealanders richer opined Simon Bridges.

'If it were that simple it would be great.”

He says it's about having a strong business confidence and a growing economy, where businesses and the government have the ability in a sustainable way to pay more.

If we believe the political rhetoric of the last ten years, the economy has been in great shape and business confidence soaring. But the well-being hasn't filtered down. Hopefully the Employment Relations Amendment Bill will restore minimum standards and protections for workers.

I have a friend who's remuneration hasn't changed for four years – his pay packet has been eroded year on year by inflation.

Perhaps the bosses are looking for a sustainable way to pay more. Perhaps a timely strike does force the issue.

I Goldsmith, Bureta.