January, 2008

It is now time for a dedicated focus on decent work within the horticulture industry, said CTU secretary Carol Beaumont, in response to immigration policy announced changes today (Transitional Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme).

“Secure and rewarding work needs to be at the heart of the horticulture and viticulture sector.”

"Supporting workers to improve their skills in areas such as literacy and numeracy is critical to building the high wage, high skill economy that everyone wants," CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

“Higher food and petrol prices alongside a lift in mortgage interest rates mean that workers are feeling the cost pressures as we start the year”, said Peter Conway, CTU Economist.

The Consumer Price Index was updated today and showed a 1.2 percent rise in the December quarter, taking annual inflation to 3.2 percent.

CTU President Helen Kelly is dismissing claims today made by the Employers and Manufacturers Association (Northern) that personal grievance claims are “out of control”.