Wellington: New Zealand witnessed one of its largest industrial actions in decades on Thursday, as more than one lakh public-sector employees walked off their jobs demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and increased funding for essential services. From teachers and nurses to doctors, firefighters, and administrative staff, the coordinated strike underscored the deepening frustration among workers who say they have borne the brunt of rising living costs and shrinking government support.

Across major cities including Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch, tens of thousands of workers marched through the streets carrying banners that read “Fair Pay, Fair Future” and “Respect Our Work.” The protests, organized by multiple unions representing public-sector employees, disrupted

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