May Day march for migrant and refugee rights announced

The newly formed Migrant and Refugee Rights Campaign (MARRC) has called a march on May Day in Wellington Central. The march will call for improved rights for migrant and refugee workers.

“May Day has a long history of mobilisation for workers’ rights,” says Gayaal Iddamalgoda, a union lawyer and MARRC candidate for Wellington Central. “This year, given the international upsurge of divisive xenophobia, we are mobilising for the rights of migrant workers.”

“Some call for a cap on immigration,” continues Gayaal. “Rather than attempting to put the toothpaste back in the tube, we demand full rights for migrant workers.”

“What’s best for migrant workers is best for everyone. Migrant workers need a living wage, cheap high-quality housing, and the freedom to organise with other New Zealanders to improve their conditions.”

“We challenge Labour and the Greens to stand with us for migrant and refugee rights.”

The event will begin with speeches on Cuba St, midday on Monday the 1st, before marching on Immigration New Zealand to deliver a written statement. Groups participating in the march include the Public Service Association (PSA), the International Socialist Organisation, Peace Action Wellington, Fightback and Doing Our Bit – Double the Refugee Quota.

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