Union rally meets Boobs on Bikes [+ audio]

Union bosses are expecting a really good turnout to their labour rights protest rally in Auckland today: it coincides with the Boobs on Bikes parade.

Two large unions are holding a rally at Aotea Square, halfway down Queen St, from 12.30pm to protest against National MP Wayne Mapp's bill providing for a 90-day probation period for new employees.

Fifteen minutes later, topless porn stars on motorcycles will pass the rally on Queen St in the Boobs on Bikes parade, promoting this weekend's Erotica Expo at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane.

The parade has caused controversy in Auckland, with Mayor Dick Hubbard among others trying unsuccessfully to stop it.

It also has the potential to disrupt the rally by the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) and the National Distribution Union, but one of their leaders thinks the two events fit in well together.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little hopes up to 3000 people will attend the rally.

"Given that we are there to oppose a piece of legislation that strips workers of their rights and is a naked attack on workers, we think it's entirely appropriate to be on the same day.

"We have a serious purpose, but I'm sure some of our members will be most interested when the parade passes us."

A march from some union members will go from the NZ Post building on Victoria St West about noon.

The rally itself starts at Aotea Square at 12.30pm, and is likely to be finished by 1.30pm.

The Boobs on Bikes parade begins on Queen St at the intersection with Cross St, just south of Karangahape Rd, at 12.45pm.

- NZPA