The Unionist, Issue 89, Sept 21 2007

The Council of Trade Unions is keen to involve its 350,000 members on reducing energy emissions, writes The Unionist this week.  We also mark Women’s Suffrage Day, and provide the usual weekly events listing.

Unions support ambitious reduction targets

“The union movement supports the ambitious reduction targets announced today because we agree that climate change is having a damaging effect on the planet and is harmful to workers and their families,” CTU president Ross Wilson said yesterday, after the government's annoucements on climate change.

“There are 350,000 union members under our umbrella, and the CTU is also discussing with government how we can engage our members on reducing energy emissions.”

“The climate change strategy clearly impacts on all New Zealanders.  The CTU will want to talk with government and industry on any employment affects from climate change policies.” 

“We want to discuss ways that costs on lower income workers can be minimised, and we see sense in this being done in ways that ensures emissions are reduced.”

“There are a number of options in this regard, and may be a mix of income support, public transport investment and assistance with home insulation and other housing initiatives,” Ross Wilson said.

More info:
The CTU's statement on climate change: Towards Sustainability - Unions and Climate Change 
Click here to get info about public meetings on climate change http://www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou/talkenvironment/index.html

Unions making the difference for working women

“Women joining together in unions continues to be a positive way to make a difference at work and to their lives outside the job,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said on Wednesday.

“Women won the right to vote through standing up collectively over 100 years ago to put the issue on the table and campaign around it.”

“Women campaigning in unions in the last year have secured major improvements in female dominated industries such as nursing and midwifery, aged care, hospital service work and retail.”

“Unions are also actively working to improve the quality of all jobs, and to build women’s power at work, in communities and politically.”

“We have also seen gains that recognise the changing workforce, including extended parental leave entitlements, the consensus that has emerged around the right to request flexible work and other initiatives to promote work-life balance.”

“Women in unions are making a difference, and there is clearly a lot more to be done.  A significant gender pay gap persists, and quality, secure work is not the reality for many working women.”

“This is best addressed by women acting collectively, and campaigning in unions,” Carol Beaumont said.

Events Calendar

Unions Local - upcoming meetings

Unions Northland
Tue 25 Sept 2007, 4pm
TUC, 7 First Ave, Whangarei
garry.parsloe@munz.org.nz

Unions Manawatu
Fri Sept 28, 3pm.
PSA House, 41-47 King St, Palmerston North
john.shennan@psa.org.nz

Unions Gisborne
Thur Oct 11, 4.30pm.
Trades & Labour Hall, Corner Customhouse St. & Childers Rd.
Colleen.Ryan@ndu.org.nz

Unions Canterbury
Tues Oct 16, 4pm
TUC, 199 Armagh Street, Christchurch.
Karena.Brown@epmu.org.nz

Unions Auckland
Thur 18 Oct, 4pm (note revised date this month only)
Trades Hall, 147 Gt Nth Rd.
garry.parsloe@munz.org.nz

Unions Manawatu
Fri Oct 26, 3pm.
PSA House, 41-47 King St, Palmerston North
john.shennan@psa.org.nz 

Unions Northland
Tue Oct 30 2007, 4pm
TUC, 7 First Ave, Whangarei
garry.parsloe@munz.org.nz

Unions Waikato
Thur Nov 8 5.15pm
TUC, 34 Harwood Street, Hamilton
fiona.mcqueen@epmu.org.nz

Other Events and Campaigns

The Hollow Men
Adapted by Dean Parker from Nicky Hager’s book. 
Season: Wed 26 September – Thur 11 October (no show Sun/Mon). 8.00pm
Tickets: $20 full / $13 concession
Book at book@bats.co.nz or  (04) 802 4175.  Full details here: http://www.bats.co.nz/plays/07/the-hollow-men.html

'Stuffed and Starved. Markets, Power and the Hidden Battle for the World Food System'
''One of the most dazzling books I have read in a long time. The product of a brilliant mind, and a gift to the world hungering for justice.'' (Naomi Klein, author of 'No Logo')
|Author: Raj Patel - in New Zealand September 20-26
Raj Patel's definitive account of the world food system ranges across GM crops, fair trade, rising levels of obesity, unsafe food, supermarket rip-offs - and making another food world possible.
CHRISTCHURCH,
Thursday September 20, 7:30 p.m
Oxford Terrace Baptist Church,
cnr Oxford Tce and Madras St
WELLINGTON
Monday September 24, 12:15 -1 p.m.
St Andrews on the Terrace
AUCKLAND
Tuesday September 25, 7:30 p.m.
Aotea Chapel
370 Queen St

Workers Education Association
MAYORAL CANDIDATES SPEAK
This Monday - 24th September
 BRYAN  PEPERRALL
 12:10 - 1:00 p.m.
Centre for Global Action
2nd Floor, James Smiths Bldg
cnr. Cuba St & Manners Mall
Wellington
pbolster@anet.co.nz 

CTU Meetings, Training

Workplace Productivity Challenge Workshop

There is no charge to attend the Productivity Challenge Financial assistance is available to help with travel, wage reimbursement (if not on EREL or other leave) and other associated costs.

Next courses are:

Thursday 4 October, 9 am – 4.30 pm
Fairfield House, Nelson
EREL deadline 20 September
productivity@nzctu.org.nz by 27 September
 
Thursday 25 October, 9 am – 4.30 pm
Te Manawa Museum, 396 Main St
Palmerston North
EREL deadline 11 October
productivity@nzctu.org.nz by 18 October

Thursday 1 November, 9 am – 4.30 pm
St Columba’s Centre, Ponsonby
Auckland Central
EREL deadline 18 October
productivity@nzctu.org.nz by 25 October