"Those attacking the benefits achieved for PSA members through collective bargaining are slow to understand what union membership is all about," said Paul Goulter, secretary of the Council of Trade Unions today.

The Council of Trade Unions will convene a joint meeting of unions in Air
New Zealand next Monday, said joint union spokesperson and secretary of the
Council of Trade Unions Paul Goulter today.

"The latest Department of Labours Skill Shortages report confirms
the need to focus on skill development and better matching of the
unemployed with vacancies," said Paul Goulter, secretary of the
Council of Trade Unions today.

"The combined effect of a range of factors means that it is now time for the official cash rate to fall," said Council of Trade Unions economist Peter
Conway today. "The economic outlook for next year is being influenced by a continuing
slide in global economic conditions with widening deflationary pressures,
falling NZ commodity prices, a rising NZ to US dollar exchange rate, and the
prospect of a drought," he said.

"Sledgehammer tactics used by College of Education management in response to low-level industrial action by ASTE members set a poor example for other state sector employers," said Council of Trade Union president Ross Wilson today.

"A Ministry of Social Development report released today revealing that one in five New Zealanders face severe hardship, sets a new standard in research that is genuinely useful in developing policy for New Zealand's future," said Ross Wilson president of the Council of trade Unions today.

"The WTO Mini-Ministerial in Sydney today must address the significant problems that are undermining the establishment of fair trade rules", said the secretary of the Council of Trade Unions Paul Goulter today.

"Results of an EMA survey released today highlight again the need for more
investment in skill," said Council of Trade Unions secretary, Paul Goulter
today.76% of employers surveyed by the Employers and Manufacturers Association
expect to take on more staff.

"The pitiful fine of $15,000 awarded against a rubbish collection firm for
failing to ensure the safety of a teenage worker highlights the need for
tougher workplace health and safety law,' said Council of Trade Unions
president Ross Wilson today.

"Unions have always taken a stand against the politics of prejudice and the CTU supports the actions of the Service and Food Workers Union," Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

"The National Party was responsible for the law changes which made the Police liable for damages claims for employee stress," Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

"The Players Association is facing a Cricket Association strategy to destroy it and the CTU will back them as we would any other union fighting for its life," Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

"New Zealand needs higher wages if we are to seriously address labour shortages," said Council of Trade Unions secretary Paul Goulter today.Although Statistics New Zealand figures released today show a slight lift in private sector wages in the last quarter, the annual increase is only 2.5%.

The CTU opposes the Government's decision to proceed with a proposal for the WTO to negotiate non-agricultural products on a zero tariff/reciprocal basis," said Council of Trade Unions secretary Paul Goulter today.