A delegation of six Australian transport workers will join an inter-denominational church service for locked out distribution workers in Auckland at 6pm tonight, says the National Distribution Union.

Media and the public are welcome at the church service and the following meeting which will be held at the Pukapuka Community centre at 23 Canning Crescent (behind WINZ) in Mangere at 6pm.

The Australian workers will arrive this afternoon and will join the picket line and organising team for the next two weeks.

National Secretary Laila Harré said that Australian delegates were members of the Maritime Union of Australia, the Transport Workers’ Union and the Rail Tram and Bus Union, all affiliates of the International Transport Workers’ Federation.

Ms Harré said that the locked out families had been heartened by the solidarity shown by unions and the community from around the world and that workers were pleased that they would be able to thank some of them in person on the picket line.

Ms Harré said that the three unions had raised $15,000 for the locked out families.

ENDS

Contact:

Simon Oosterman (Media liaison) on 021 922 551
Laila Harré (National Secretary) on 021 839 661