CTU publishes ideas for jobs summit

The Council of Trade Unions has today released a discussion document for the forthcoming government Jobs Summit (27 February). The document focuses on stimulating the economy, retaining jobs and worker transition, including support for those made redundant.

Helen Kelly, CTU President, said that the union movement welcomes the Summit as a shared opportunity to discuss proposals which will limit the effects of the recession on jobs. It is crucial that the labour market is supported in order to capitalise on the intended benefits of interest rate cuts and tax incentives.

‘It is clear that a lot of work is going into the Summit and numerous organisations and individuals are making suggestions,’ said Helen Kelly. ‘We want to make sure that concrete proposals emerge which can then be implemented. The CTU proposals are intended to be a constructive contribution.’

The CTU initiatives in the discussion document include: 
- Expand and bring forward infrastructure projects including regional initiatives
- Implement a major jobs programme addressing environmental and social needs
- Offer training subsidies and support for other options as alternatives to redundancy
- Significantly expand support services for workers made redundant.

The CTU also suggests the establishment of an Employment Commission or similar organisation which would support the creation and retention of jobs and support training and transitional support alongside existing programmes. The Commission could act as an effective ‘clearing house’ for generic and tailored forms of support for firms and workers.

Unions want ongoing engagement after the Summit on implementation.

The full discussion document can be accessed at: http://union.org.nz/sites/union/files/CTU%20Discussion%20Paper%20for%20Summit_1.doc 

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For further information contact:

Fraser Pettigrew, Communications and Campaigns Advisor
04 802 3817 / 027 243 7031 / fraserp@nzctu.org.nz

Helen Kelly, President, CTU
04 802 3812 / 021 776 741

www.union.org.nz