Better Pay Would Help Labour Shortage

Wages, conditions and job security in horticulture must improve if the industry and Government are serious about attracting New Zealand workers, Council of Trade Unions secretary Carol Beaumont said today.
In a series of measures to address labour shortages in horticulture, Labour Minister Paul Swain has announced immigration could be used to meet labour needs but only when there were no suitable New Zealanders to fill the vacancies.

"The current shortages are due to poor planning, co-ordination and investment by many industries, which have also cut wages and conditions to minimise their costs," Carol Beaumont said.

The CTU welcomed measures in the medium and long term for the industry to improve employment and recruitment practices and invest in productivity and training.

"Unions will be continuing to engage with the Government on this issue to ensure fair treatment for all workers helping to meet labour shortages in a number of sectors."