The Learning Reps project’s first graduation, locked out Gateway workers, the Runanga stall at Koroneihana and an upcoming CTU forum on election funding feature in this week’s Unionist.

Learning Reps Graduation

“Workplaces of the future need to be proactive in their attitudes towards diversity at work, and the EEO Trust and their annual Awards play an important role in encouraging a healthy attitude to balancing work and life needs,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today. 

“Improving paid parental leave provision is necessary to meet the needs of a modern workforce and modern workplaces, and the Families Commission discussion paper released today is a welcome contribution to this debate,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

“Last night’s youth rates vote is a huge step forward for thousands of young workers who when this change is implemented will receive a big increase in pay and a recognition that the work they are doing is being properly paid,” CTU president Ross Wilson said today.

“KiwiSaver is an historic watershed and the enhancements in this year’s Budget will mean a huge boost for the income levels of workers in retirement,” Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson told a select committee this morning.

The Unionist today reports on the youth rates campaign, home affordability and solidarity with pacific nurses.

Where else would you be in Auckland at 12 noon this Saturday?

“Home affordability is not just about house prices – it is also about incomes, and low wages means home ownership is now increasingly out of reach for low and middle income New Zealanders,” CTU president Ross Wilson told a select committee today.

"With the labour market this tight, wages should be much higher than they are at present,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

Statistics New Zealand’s quarterly Household Labour Force Participation survey out this morning showed the highest number of people in work and the lowest unemployment since the survey began.

"Breast feeding mums need to feel confident that workplaces have policies in place and a culture that supports them and their babies at work," CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

Today is the end of World Breastfeeding Week, and the start of the 24 hour world record attempt on simultaneous breastfeeding.  Several events are getting underway around New Zealand this morning in workplaces, community centres and public halls.

“Planning for the future development of New Zealand’s manufacturing industry needs a sense of urgency behind it, and the high level input that the Manufacturing Advisory Group provides will be important to this,” CTU president Ross Wilson said today.

“Legislation is needed to send a clear message to workers that it’s okay to put your hand up and request flexible working hours, and that your employer will need to consider that request seriously,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.