Public Services

Government must accept sleepover decision now

18 Feb 2011 - 11:27

18 February 2011

The Government’s claims about the flow-on impact of the Court of Appeal decision on sleepover shifts worked by disability support workers were tested in court and were found to be wrong, said the CTU today.

CTU President Helen Kelly said: “It is time the Government faced up to the fact that disability support workers have been grossly underpaid for years.

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Government loses plot on supporting Kiwi jobs

14 Dec 2010 - 10:07

Two announcements today show the Government missing two opportunities to preserve and build good Kiwi jobs, said the CTU. More Kiwirail rolling stock is being manufactured overseas, and the management of two Auckland prisons is being privatised, with likely job and income losses.

Kiwirail has announced that a $29 million tender for 300 rail wagons has gone to China CNR Corporation.

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CTU regrets Snedden’s departure

5 Nov 2010 - 11:21

The CTU is disappointed to hear that Pat Snedden will not have the opportunity to continue as Chair of Auckland DHB despite wanting to remain in the role.

“Pat Snedden has made an invaluable contribution to the Health Sector and his skill, acumen and leadership will be sadly lost in a sector which needs these qualities now more than ever,” said CTU Vice President Richard Wagstaff.

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Government to cut minimum wages? 6.10.10

6 Oct 2010 - 10:41

The refusal today by [Health] Minister Tony Ryall to rule out amending the Minimum Wage Act is a very worrying signal that minimum wages could be cut in this country, CTU President Helen Kelly said.

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Government must negotiate with teachers in good faith 14.9.10

14 Sep 2010 - 15:40

The Government needs to end its disruptive standoff with school teachers and return to the negotiating table with some meaningful offers, said the CTU today.

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Evidence from overseas shows high risks of PPP projects 11.8.10

11 Aug 2010 - 17:03

The Government’s announcement that it will force all government agencies to consider PPPs for projects over $25 million provides little evidence of the benefits it claims nor the risks it is entering into, said the CTU today. Neither does it state the rules for making these decisions.

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DHB head resignation a symptom of inadequate health funding 6.8.10

6 Aug 2010 - 14:36

The resignation of the Chief Executive of Capital and Coast District Health Board, Ken Whelan, unfortunately confirms the CTU’s analysis of the funding shortfall in the May Health budget. That analysis showed that the budget required the system to provide new services but on the same budget as last year in real terms.

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ACC experience rating will harm worker safety

14 Jul 2010 - 16:16

The Government’s introduction of experience rating for employers’ ACC levies is preparing the work account for privatisation, said the Council of Trade Unions today.

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CTU supports Kiwi Jobs Bill – but it should go further 14.7.10

14 Jul 2010 - 10:18

The Council of Trade Unions is supporting Clare Curran’s Kiwi Jobs Bill, but CTU Secretary Peter Conway said that the Bill is a relatively weak measure.

“The CTU supports the intentions of the Bill, but why wait for a Commission of Inquiry? Let’s do it now,” said Conway.

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CTU welcomes rail investment 18.5.10

18 May 2010 - 14:55

The CTU has welcomed the announcement today of ongoing investment in rail. It is however only a fraction of what is needed.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, said: “The signal of government commitment to improve and retain the network is positive.”

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