GATS Offer - CTU View

The Council of Trade Unions secretary Paul Goulter, said today that unions have been actively campaigning around the issues affecting workers in the GATS negotiations."We have in particular sought strong protection for public services in the GATS Treaty and the New Zealand schedule of commitments," said Paul Goulter.

"We have also been seeking a delay in tabling the initial offer so that full consultation could occur, and for the offer to be made public."

Paul Goulter said the CTU had also sought the withdrawal of current commitments on education and audio-visual services.

Responding to the announcement today of the initial GATS offer by the New Zealand Government, Paul Goulter said that while the CTU welcomed the statement on public services, the CTU would need to carefully study the wording to assess its effectiveness.

Paul Goulter also said that it was good to see the offer is being made public.

"However, the CTU is disappointed in the failure to insert wording which clearly refers to the Treaty of Waitangi," said Paul Goulter.

"Other significant areas of concern include maritime transport, aviation services, and postal services.

Paul Goulter said that the CTU had wanted a longer period to consult with members on these crucial areas before an offer was made and it was now essential that ongoing consultation occurs during the GATS negotiations.