The Unionist, Issue 36, 1 March 2006

The Unionist this week looks at the CTU Runangas first meeting for the year, and flexible working hours, as well as a round up of CTU events and meetings.

Either read on, or you can download the printed version of The Unionist here (PDF file, 247 kb)

Runanga Meets for the first time this year

The Council of Trade Unions Runanga met in Wellington recently, and discussed its workplan for the year, including progressing work on the HANGI project and furthering the memorandum of understanding with the CTU .

Last year conference elected the CTU's first Vice President Maori, Sharon Clair, who is Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Ranginui, and works for the New Zealand Nurses Organisation as their Policy Analyst Maori. At the meeting in Wellington recently, the Runanga elected Syd Keepa as new convenor. Syd is of Ngati Awa and Ngati Maru descent, and is the Apiha Maori (Maori officer) for the National Distribution Union. Kiwhare Mihaka remains kaumatua for the CTU.

A major focus of the Runanga this year will be the CTU's HANGI project ? Helping Advance Nga Mahi in Growth and Innovation. The project, a follow up initiative from the Hui Taumata conference on Maori economic development last year, focuses on workplace productivity, education and training for Maori workers.

Thomas Webster, Project Manager for HANGI reported on the project and the Runanga discussed future development and role of the Runanga in governance of the HANGI project. One idea mooted was the development of a national Kaimahi Maori network, to build on the Hui Taumatua initiatives begun last year.

Tipene Keenan from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in Australia provided a presentation on the Asbestos Campaign they have been running, and the possible links that could be made with New Zealand.

The Runanga will also progress work on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CTU. Discussion centered around the principles for an MOU and Sharon and CTU President Ross Wilson will develop a paper based on this.

CTU argues for Flexible Working Hours

Flexible working hours were necessary to meet the economic, social, and family demands and changing social and economic environments that workers in the 21st Century face, the Council of Trade Unions has told a select committee.

The CTU presented its submission on the Employment Relations (Flexible Working Hours) Amendment Bill to the transport and industrial relations select committee in February. The bill would give employees with young or disabled children the right to request flexible hours including reduced or changed hours.

"Quality of working life and work-life balance issues are the number one concern for many workers," said Carol Beaumont, CTU Secretary. "Unions are advocating for the introduction of flexible working hours to help establish a culture that recognises workers' responsibilities outside of the workplace and to support quality of family life."

United Kingdom experience of flexible working hours legislation has been that employers implementing flexible working hours have reported higher motivated and more productive staff, greater staff retention, and improved morale.

Beaumont called on employers to pick up the challenge around this set of issues, and to look at the benefits that flexible working hours legislation would bring to workers and employers alike.

CTU Calendar of Events

CTU Unions - local affiliates

CTU Unions Northland
Wed Mar 1, 5pm
Trade Union Centre, 7 First Ave, Whangarei
gparsloe@seafarers.org.nz

CTU Unions Waikato
Thur Mar 2, 5.15 pm
Trade Union Centre, 34 Harwood St, Hamilton
jamesr@nzdwu.org.nz

CTU Unions West Coast
Fri Mar 3, 5pm
Greymouth WorkingMens Club
wkcultur@ihug.co.nz

CTU Unions Wairarapa - Delegates Meeting
Thur Mar 9, 2pm
Town Hall, Masterton
dave_morgan@xtra.co.nz

CTU Unions Tauranga
Mon Mar 13, 5pm
Seafarers Centre, Hull Rd, Mt Maunganui
gparsloe@seafarers.org.nz

CTU Unions Hawkes Bay
Mon Mar 13, 5.30pm
Trade Union Centre, 2 Lipton Pl, Napier
dhyde@nduunion.org.nz

CTU Unions Auckland
Thu 16 Mar, 4pm
Trades Hall, 147 Gt North Rd, Auckland
gparsloe@seafarers.org.nz

CTU Unions Christchurch
Tue Mar 21, 4pm
Trade Union Centre, 199 Armagh Rd, Christchurch
Karena.Brown@epmu.org.nz

CTU Unions Palmerston North
Fri Mar 31, 3pm
PSA House, 41-47 King St, Palmerston North
john.shennan@psa.org.nz

CTU Meetings

CTU - Government Forum
Tue Mar 7, registrations from 4pm, starts 5pm sharp
Convention Centre, Palmerston North
john.shennan@psa.org.nz

CTU Superannuation meeting
Thur Mar 30, 9.30-12.30
CTU Board room, Lv 7, 178 Willis St, Wellington
peterc@nzctu.org.nz

Other events

International Working Womens Day
Mar 8
Several events planned, including launch of SFWU Healthy Hospitals campaign

Hear 'Maidens Unplugged' four new Labour MPs with what they really wanted to say in their Maiden Speech.
Fri Mar 17, 5.30-8pm
Trades Hall, 147 Gt North Rd, Auckland
Working Womens Resource Centre: wwrc@ihug.co.nz

Race Relations Day
Mar 21
Human Rights Commission
For further details: www.hrc.co.nz, 0800 496 877