Sympathy and Condolences to NZ brothers and sisters

On behalf of the Government employees and working people of Israel I extend to you and the New Zealand nation our sympathy and condolences on the terrible earthquake tragedy which racked Christchurch and your beautiful island. Our thoughts and commiserations go out to you.

Immediately upon hearing of the quake yesterday our 24/7 IDF and home front rescue support team began organizing to fly out to NZ and help wherever they can. Similar teams have been dispatched over the years to Haiti, Turkey, Kenya and other places in the past. Your government thanked for the offer but said unnecessary.
When we suffered terrible forest fires in the Carmel mountain range in which 45 firefighters, prison guards and the Haifa police chief lost their lives New Zealand offered help.
That's what friends do in tough times like these.

We are far away from you and can only offer our deepest sympathy, prayers and solidarity to the gracious and generous people of NZ in your difficult hour.

Fraternal greetings

Yours sincerely

Ariel Yacohi,
Chairman
Israel Govt Employees +PTT union

Shocked to learn of the major earthquake that hit Christchurch on February 22, 2011, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Hainan provincial trade unions and the working class would like to express our deep sympathy to your organization and through you, our sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.

New Zealand is a very beautiful country, construction and development a success. We sincerely hope that the people and the workers in the afflicted areas can overcome difficulties and rebuild their hometown in the shortest possible time.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Fu Xing
Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee ofHainan Provincial Peoples Congress,
Chairman of Federation of Trade Unions

Shocked to learn of the major earthquake that hit Christchurch on February 22, 2011, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The Chinese trade unions and the working class would like to express our deep sympathy to your organization and through you, our sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.

We sincerely hope that the people and the workers in the afflicted areas can overcome difficulties and rebuild their hometown in the shortest possible time.

Yours Sincerely,

Jiang Guangping
Nation Secretary for International Activities
All-China Federation of Trade Unions

On behalf of 1.2 million working women and men in Japan, Zenroren would like to extend our condolences to the victims and the bereaved family members by the earthquake struck Christchurch area yesterday, as well as express our heartfelt sympathy to ones injured.

According to media reports, Japenese people living and studying in the area also affected. We do hope your members are in safe, and recover and restore the rights, livelihood and working condition as soon as possible.

As we live in similar situation with many earthquakes, we cannot help extending this message to you representing workers in New Zealand. Also, i would like to ask your possibility to make use of financial assistance from us, since Zenroren has certain disaster fund for unions in other countries. We have experienced to contribute to the fund to national trade union centres in Indonesia, India, China, Pakistan and other countries. If you you are organizing some relief activity, please let us know. Zenroren is very happy to contribute.

Please extend our warm greetings to your members and colleagues. Looking forward to hearing from you.

In solidarity,

Yoshikazu ODAGAWA
Secretary General
National Confederation of Trade Unions, Japan

It was with shock and sadness that we woke up yesterday to the news of the earthquake in Christchurch.

We do not associate New Zealand with sadness and disaster but this event, added to the recent mining disaster, has been a reminder that tragedy lurks in even the most peaceful and pleasant societies.

We very much admire the response of the people and workers of New Zealand to this catastrophe.

On behalf of all of us in the European trade union world, please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. If we can help in any way, please let us know.

Yours sincerely

John Monks
General Secetary
European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)

On behalf of myself and all my colleagues in the ILO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of life and damage caused by the recent earthquake.

We have all been shocked by the scale of the disaster and the suffering caused, not just to the population of Christchurch, but to the entire population of New Zealand.

As a founding member of the ILO, New Zealand has a unique record on issues of labour and social justice and is at the forefront of promoting decent work in the Asia-Pacific region. I am confident that the excellent and long-standing tripartite relations that you have built up will stand your country in good stead to recover as quickly as is possible from this terrible tragedy. The New Zealand people are well known for their resilience and optimism. Please be assured that, in these testing times, the ILO stands ready to assist you in any way we can.

Please accept the assurance of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Sachiko Yamamoto
Regional Director
ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Thailand)

On behalf of the 6.8 million members of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO). I would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathy for the loss of lives and tremendous damage caused by a big earthquake in Christchurch on 22nd February.

We do hope that rescue efforts will succeed in saving those who are still trapped, and sincerely wish for a very speedy and full recovery of the city.

In solidarity,

Nobuaki Koga
President
Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO)

On behalf of the entire Australian union movement, you have our support at this time.

We hare the sorrow of all New Zealanders at the tragic loss of life, and the impact this earthquake will have on the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of New Zealanders.

Coming so soon after the floods and other natural disasters that wreaked havoc across Australia this summer, the earthquake has shaken Christchurch is another horrible blow.

New Zealand is Australia's closest economic partner, and the union movements of our two nations are equally close.

The workers of Australia and of New Zealand share the same aspirations that work will deliver a better life for themselves and their families.

We know that in New Zealand, as in Australia, unionists have a long and proud history of helping their fellow workmates in times of natural disaster.

We share your pride at the dedication and hard work of union members in emergency services, healthcare, the community sector, media covering the events, and others involved in the disaster.

Please pass on the condolences and sympathy of the Australian union movement in any way you can.

Yours faithfully,

Ged Kearney
President
Australian Council of Trade Unions

The AFL-CIO on behalf of its million members joins you, the families, and the citizens of New Zealand in mourning the tragic loss of life after the devastating earthquake in Canterbury oon February 22nd and the continuing aftershocks. Our sympathy and support go out to the families of the fallen workers and to all of you in the New Zealand trade union movement.

My thoughts and those of working families here in the United States are with you and the people of New Zealand as you recover and rebuild.

Sincerely,

Richard L. Trumka
President
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial organizations

Please accept our deep sympathy to the people of Canterbury.

The ITUC-AP wishes to join your rescue work and remit soon from our fund a sum of US$ 5,000. Kindly convey our strong solidarity to all those affected by the recent earthquake.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Noriyuki Suzuki
General Secretary
ITUC-Asia Pacific

Dear sisters and brothers,

On behalf of General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) Pakistan, I offer my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to our sisters and brothers and their families who are suffering from shock and trauma after the devastating earthquake on 22 February in the Canterbury region of New Zealand.

We are deeply saddened to hear about how many people have died or are still missing. We express our sincere condolences to those who have lost family and friends, along with our solidarity and support to those who have lost their homes, workplaces or community buildings.

In addition, we acknowledge the courageous efforts of members of the emergency services, and all volunteers, including the many workers who have worked tirelessly in the rescue effort, offering many forms of support.

Please let us know how GFTU and our affiliates can offer further assistance.

In solidarity,

GFTU- Secretariat
Pakistan

“On behalf of the New Zealand Government I want to thank all firefighters who have been working so hard since the devastating earthquake in Christchurch on February 22.

“I want to send my deepest sympathies to those who have lost a loved one in this tragedy. This is an extremely tough time for local firefighters, both personally and professionally.

“Many Canterbury firefighters have rushed to help others while their own families and property have been affected. A welfare program has been set up by the NZ Fire Service and the families of career and volunteer personnel have been phoned to check they are okay.

“I visited Christchurch three days after the quake to observe USAR teams and firefighters in action. The response has been acknowledged as world class by other international USAR teams.

“There has been amazing support from firefighters in New Zealand and around the world.

“Thank you to everyone who has been helping those in need. The rest of New Zealand is supporting you.”

Nathan Guy
Minister Responsible for the New Zealand Fire Service

Dear Steve and Derek,

As our Executive Board meets this week, I want you both and all of your members to know that your IAFF brothers and sisters are thinking about and praying for you and your families, NZPFU members and of course, all of the citizens in Christchurch affected by this terrible natural disaster.

I know you have been in contact with Lorne West, and Lorne has passed on to all of us that your members there are safe and working to ensure the safety of your community in Christchurch. Steve, I was very glad to get word that you, Sue and your family are all ok.

It was announced yesterday that IAFF Local 1014 in Los Angeles County, California has mobilized and is deploying its USAR and Heavy Rescue team to aid in the rescue and recovery process, and I know that the USAR team from my home local in Fairfax County, Virginia is next in line should your country call for additional assistance.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if we can assist you or your members during this disaster.

In Solidarity,

Harold A. Schaitberger
General President
International Association of Fire Fighters

Dear Derek

On behalf of FBU firefighters from across the UK please accept our sympathy and support following the terrible earthquake in Christchurch. I know that your members will be doing everything they can to save life and to make communities as safe as possible.

If there is anything you feel we can do please let us know.

I understand there are currently some arrangements being made for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from the UK to be sent over. Again, if you have any thoughts on this please let me know.

Regards

Matt Wrack
FBU General Secretary
Fire Brigades Union

Dear Derek and Steve

I write to offer any assistance that you may require as a result of the above earthquake which I understand has resulted in a number of fatalities and numerous injuries.

I understand you must be extremely busy dealing with the immediate necessities, however if you require anything at all please do not hesitate to contact me on my mobile and I will arrange a National Executive phone hookup to facilitate your request.

In closing I will keep this letter short as I understand you must be extremely busy.

Yours sincerely

Peter Marshall
National and State Secretary
United Firefighters Union