Drivers Block Cars in Auckland Car Park in Protest over Minimum Wage
Auckland, New Zealand – Commuters faced major traffic disruptions in downtown Auckland on Wednesday as transport workers parked their buses and cars in a car park, blocking access to the area. The protest, organized by the First Union, was triggered by the government’s decision to increase the minimum wage. The union argued that the increase would not be enough to cover rising living costs and would put a strain on transport operators. Bus drivers and other transport workers parked their vehicles in the Aotea Centre car park, effectively blocking access to the area. The protest caused significant delays for motorists and public transport users. Auckland Transport issued a public advisory, warning commuters of the disruptions and urging them to plan alternative routes. Bus services were diverted or canceled, creating further inconvenience for commuters. The government defended its decision, stating that the minimum wage increase was necessary to support workers struggling with the cost of living. However, the union argued that the increase did not go far enough and would not address the challenges faced by transport workers. The protest raised concerns about the impact of rising living costs on workers and the potential for further industrial action in the future. Negotiations between the government and the union were ongoing at the time of writing. The disruption caused by the protest highlighted the challenges faced by commuters in major cities and the importance of addressing the concerns of workers amidst rising inflation.Park visitors are fed up with motorists leaving cars parked in front of other vehicles in the Victoria Park car park in central Auckland.
Park visitors are fed up with motorists leaving cars parked in front of other vehicles in the Victoria Park car park in central Auckland.
Bootcamp owner Raphael Victoria gives morning fitness classes in the park and every morning he encounters drivers who are poorly parked.
People using the facilities at Victoria Park say they have been stopped by other drivers, some of whom do not return until the end of the working day.++
“Any day of the week you can come and see six to eight cars in the middle, with phone numbers on the windshield where you can call them and hope they come and move the cars for you.”
Cars+parked+in+Victoria+Park+car+park++(Source:+Breakfast)
Victoria+told+Breakfast+on+Friday+morning+that+some+drivers+arrive+at+4am+and+leave+their+cars+parked+until+5pm.
The+parking+spaces+in+the+Victoria+Park+car+park+are+free+for+180+minutes,+allowing+motorists+to+park+near+the+skate+park,+basketball+courts+and+playing+fields.
Cars+have+been+spotted+parking+on+the+grass+and+yellow+lines+when+the+car+park+is+full.
