In honour of Labour Day and the mega strike of 23 October, we have a special extended edition of Socialism with Kiwi Characteristics. This week Josh and Andy sit down to reflect on the impact of the Mega Strike, discuss the origins of Labour Day in Aotearoa, and to talk about another mega strike from our history and the lessons to be learnt from it for the present and future.

In today’s episode, Jon (E tū) updates us on Thursday’s MEGA STRIKE happening in Palmy, Levin, and Whanganui as well as next Tuesday’s iwi-led and union-supported Rā Whakamana. Tracks played in this episode are Woody Guthrie ‘All You Fascists Bound to Lose’, Kneecap ‘It’s Been Ages’, Upper Hutt Posse ‘E tū’, and Damien ‘Jr Gong’ Marley ‘Slave Mill (live)’.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Today’s episode of Calling All Workers is the conclusion of Gerard Hehir’s Organiser Origins episode. Gerard is the Assistant National Secretary of Unite Union and was interviewed by Unite Union organiser, Heeni Smith.

This week on Calling All Workers, we have another installment of Socialism with Kiwi Characteristics. Josh and Andy complete their kōrero on classes in Aotearoa and discuss the implications on our lives as workers as a result of class relations.

This week, Jon explains what Unions Manawatū is, what it looks like as an LAC. Gina and Jon wax philosophical about being union officials. And we end with Kneecap’s classic party track, “Get Your Brits Out”. A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

In today’s Organiser Origins episode, Heeni Smith of Unite interviews Gerard Hehir, Assistant National Secretary of Unite about his beginnings in the union movement. This is Part 1 of a two-part interview with the second part airing on October 7th.

What makes a class? Part 1: This week Josh and Andy discuss the different conceptions of classes, and specifically the Marxist ideas around what makes a class. They discuss why it is important to understand classes in society. In the next episode they will discuss how it all operates in Aotearoa.

In today’s episode, Jon (E tū) offers a mihi to recently-passed comrade, Linda Deans and airs for us the NZCTU’s submission to the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity 11th August 2025.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air. This Week: Gina and Jon from E tū and Andy from the PPTA discuss the recently passed Employment Relations (Pay Deductions for Partial Strikes) Amendment Act 2025. What does it mean and why does it suck so badly? Also, a good bit of ranting about economic exploitation and why you should get active if you want to win.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air. This week: “A month after Part 1 aired, today we have Part 2 of the Fight Back Together Maranga Ake event debriefing with Gina and Jon (E tū), Heeni (Unite) and Liam (Workers First).”

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air. In this episode, Jon an organiser for E Tū interviews Andy from PPTA Te Wehengarua about how he got into union activism and organising. This is the first part of the kōrero, part 2 to come later.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air. In this episode Andy is running solo finishing up his discussion of Marx's Value, Price and Profit and linking it to the workers' struggle in Aotearoa.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast from Unions Manawatū looking at union activities and issues around the region, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.