Steve Chadwick, Labour list MP and a member of the Bay Labour team based in Tauranga, today joined about 50 members of the Service and Food Workers Union to protest the government's decision to freeze the pay of service workers.

SFWU protestors at Tauranga Hospital.

The protest occurred outside Tauranga Hospital and continued until about 3pm on Friday.
'These people are vital to the running of our country's health and disability sector. They are our orderlies, food service workers, cleaners and security staff, and they deserve more than what's on the table.
'I was happy to join in today's protest on behalf of my colleagues in the Bay Labour team. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout and to hear the many toots of support from passing motorists. National needs to take this issue seriously,” says Steve.
The Tauranga protest is part of a national day of action organised by the union.
SFWU national secretary John Ryall says the strikes and rallies are not just about the employers' wage freezes but about a deliberate policy of expecting low paid workers to shoulder the brunt of the economic recession.