Subway, No Way! Workers Rights Are Human Rights!

Justice for Jackie Lang, sacked Subway worker.

Protest at Subway
155 Queen St, Auckland 1pm Saturday 12th May

Called by Workers Charter Workers Charter, a network of left wing trade unionists and activists, are calling for a protest this Saturday in solidarity with Jackie Lang, a worker sacked for sharing a $4 cup of Coca-Cola. The Subway worker was allowed free Coke – but then she shared one with a friend.
Subway then fired her, and then called the police to charge her with theft. Charges have since been dropped by the District Court, but justice still remains to be served in the workplace...

"Workers in New Zealand are sick of bullying, intimidation and unfair dismissals and sackings." said Workers Charter activist and protest organiser Joe Carolan. "Jackie Lang's case is the straw that broke the camel's back. This Saturday, Workers Charter call on all decent people and trade unionists to come stand up for Jackie's rights.

The District Court has dropped the charges, but now real justice is needed in the workplace. Workers Charter will be advising Subway workers how they can join unions at info pickets this Saturday in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, and will be calling for Subway to apologise to jackie for the distress they have caused her.

Compensate Jackie for the emotional distress you have caused her, Subway. Otherwise, pickets on all your stores in Auckland will spread and grow. Have some respect for your workers!"

Editor of the Workers Charter paper and organiser for the Unite Workers Union, John Minto, added- “When a worker is sacked for sharing her coke with a friend on her break then this is bullying and harassment. It’s disappointing but not surprising to see the police on the side of the company pursuing a worker for a $4 theft which was not a theft.

This is a case of bullying and harassment by the company and Subway should have been in court instead of the worker” Supporters of the protest also include Solidarity Union, Socialist Worker and the Auckland anti-capitalist group Radical Youth.

"Radical youth is shocked by this example of a multinational corporation bullying a poor worker for no reason" said RY spokesperson Eliana Darroch . “Subway's continued use of youth rates and its treatment of Jackie Lang clearly shows it is a company that holds its workers in contempt" added Ms Darroch.

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