Employers Unrealistic About Fair Wages Main Cause of Work Stoppages - CTU
"Employers who are unrealistic about the need to address New Zealand’s low wage crisis will continue to see workers exercising their right to take industrial action in support of a wage claim," CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today. Statistics New Zealand data released today showed 10 work stoppages ended in the September 2006 quarter, and 49 stoppages ended in the year to September 2006. "The brutal month-long lockout of Progressive Enterprises workers in September features in these statistics, and highlights the extent to which some employers will go in their efforts to prevent workers from claiming a fair wage." "Of course the community response to this lockout was overwhelming – and clearly demonstrated the strong public will against this type of behaviour from companies."
"The CTU has argued for an investment approach to employment through skills development and training, higher wages and improved productivity."
"Many employers have come on board with this approach, and work stoppages remain historically low - of the more than 2,500 collective agreements in place, the vast majority are settled without work stoppages."
"Those employers that don't recognise the need to address the low wage crisis in New Zealand may continue to expect a strong response from workers for improvements in their wages this year."
About EditorNews
Name
Sam Huggard
Phone
0064 4 802 3817
Email
samh@nzctu.org.nz