Workers Play Key Role In Lifting Productivity

Productivity statistics out today showing worker output has been steadily improving at a rate of 2.6% a year is higher than most would have expected, the Council of Trade Unions said today. "However we need sustained levels of increased productivity if we are to lift the economy to a high wage, high skill platform," said Peter Conway, CTU Economist.

"This means investment in infrastructure, education and training, research and development alongside cohesive industry strategies, and at a workplace level all organisations analysing what can be done to lift productivity at their own site."

"Workers have played a key role in this lift in productivity," said Peter Conway. "It is crucial that workers are involved in future discussions on how to lift productivity and unions are developing programmes to address this. But the benefits of improved productivity must be shared with workers."

"While productivity was 55% higher in 2005 than in 1988, wages for most workers of course have not risen by that rate," said Peter Conway.