November, 2006

"Extra assistance for exporters announced today is timely and another step on the way to building a high wage, high skill, high value economy," CTU Economist Peter Conway said.

"The addition of 25 work related illnesses to the ACC presumptive schedule is a small step in improving recognition of occupational illness under our ACC scheme," CTU president Ross Wilson said today.

"CTU health unions have provided the process for safe staffing to protect patients during industrial action, in accordance with international human rights and ethical standards. It is for the District Health Boards to manage the process competently and questions remain as to whether they have done so," CTU president Ross Wilson said today.

"In solidarity with Australian workers, New Zealand unionists are today staging a publicity blitz in city centres to highlight the attack on workers rights happening across workplaces throughout Australia," NZCTU president Ross Wilson said.

Media Release: Make Poverty History.

With a little help from their most well-known campaigner, Make Poverty History Aotearoa collected over 11,000 signatures and a further 20,000 text petitions at this weekend's U2 concerts.

CTU Economist Peter Conway today said that there is merit in discussing tax deductibility of compulsory employer contributions to KiwiSaver.

The Council of Trade Unions joins other New Zealand and international organisations in supporting White Ribbon Day – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

A strong union campaign was what stopped National’s 90 Days No Rights Bill, writes the Unionist this week. 

Either read on, or download a printable version here (PDF file, 106 kb).

Union Campaigning Beats 90 Day Bill

“National should think twice next time they decide that having a grab at New Zealanders’ right to a fair go at work is a smart idea,” CTU president Ross Wilson said today.
 
National’s Employment Relations (Probationary Employment) Amendment Bill was thrown out at its Second Reading in Parliament today, with Labour, New Zealand First, the Greens, the Maori Party and the Progressive Party voting against it. 

Union calls for action on a manufacturing strategy are leading to a greater recognition of the economic development needs of this key New Zealand industry, the CTU said today after a national manufacturing summit in Auckland.

Aussie unions planning to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground in latest phase of opposition to the Howard Industrial Relations agenda, writes the Unionist this week.

Either read on, or download a printable version here (PDF file, 102 kb).

"The fact that a 9.6% annual increase in house prices is seen as relatively low is a symptom of how far out of reach housing has become for many Kiwis" said Peter Conway CTU Economist today.

“Canterbury District Health Board’s call for the abolition of the right to strike for health workers is childish and grandstanding,” CTU president Ross Wilson said today.

Community coalition says that  all workers should have the  right to request flexible hours, writes the Unionist this week.

Either read on, or you can download a printable version here (PDF file,  76 kb).

"The youth minimum wage has been lifted by 95% since 1999, and this has not had any significant impact on either employment or educational enrolment.

"The government’s economic transformation agenda is supported by unions, but it will require the full commitment of all parties to see real gains," said CTU president Ross Wilson, commenting on the Minister of Economic Development’s announcement today.

"Unions know that the pressure to balance work and family life is a major problem for many workers, and we are excited to be campaigning alongside community groups for a legislative right to request flexible working hours," CTU president Ross Wilson said today at the launch of the Quality Flexible Working Hours Coalition.

"The announcement today that wages rose on average by 5.5% in the last year for the 57% of the workforce that got an increase is a good news story for workers and their unions," CTU president Ross Wilson said today.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is this week taking part in the formation of a new international trade union body, which will strengthen workers' representation at a global level, writes the Unionist this week. 

Either read on, or you can download a printable version here (PDF file, 52 kb).