Social issues

"National's policy to get tough on beneficiaries is not only outdated and lacks respect, but it is an approach that undermines wages and has been spectacularly unsuccessful in the past and will be so again," Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said.
 

"Elimination of child poverty is an absolute priority and the Council of Trade Unions commend the leadership shown by the Children’s Commissioner and Barnardos in identifying the actions needed to address child poverty," CTU vice president Maori Sharon Clair said, following a new report from the two groups.

“The Council of Trade Unions commends Child Poverty Action Group for their persistent work in keeping child poverty in the public domain and on everyone’s agenda,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said tonight, following the release of CPAG’s latest research report.

“Racial discrimination in any aspect of New Zealand life is unacceptable and both workers and employers must challenge it at workplaces,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

“Union delegates are the lifeblood of our movement, and as 200 delegates gather in Wellington today we will be honouring the contribution they make to workplaces and society,” said CTU secretary Carol Beaumont on International Volunteer Day today.

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.

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.

"While there is clearly an international focus for Global Poverty day, events today are sending a message that there is poverty in this country too," CTU president Ross Wilson told a union rally in Wellington.