Trade union members and supporters rallied in Tauranga's Red Square on Wednesday as part of a national rally challenging government policies.

Labour candidate Carol Devoy-Heena and union president Peter Harvey.

The lunchtime rally was part of a national two hour stop-work across the country held to protest against the government's workplace law changes.
The protests involving 15 unions are the largest collective union action for many years.
The protests were called to oppose the so-called ‘fire at will' 90-day trial period, changes to access rights for unions as well as proposals that may allow employers to demand a doctor's certificate at their own expense – even on the first sick day.
A megaphone wielding Maritime Union branch president Peter Harvey told Tauranga demonstrators that economic growth creates jobs, but that the current government policies are taking away jobs.
'We are on a slippery slope downwards. The government is taking away basic human and worker rights, and the only way to get around it is to move into action,” says Peter.
He said the workers have borne the brunt of the impact of the financial sector collapse, and the government's unwillingness to invest in jobs.
Bay of Plenty Labour candidate Carol Devoy-Heena says paid employees are getting less than their fair share in an economic environment where food costs, power, medical charges and rents have all increased, in an employment regime where it is increasingly difficult to hold permanent jobs.
The rallies mark the beginning of a campaign, more are expected but the dates haven't been finalised yet, says Tauranga unionists. If the government does not reconsider employment law changes, protests will continue through next year.