Social Issues

Wrong-headed Welfare Working Group miss the point

7 Mar 2011 - 13:08

7 March 2011

The CTU backs beneficiary groups’ concerns about the recommendations in the Welfare Working Group’s report. “We are particularly concerned at the recommendations to remove 100,000 people off benefits over the next ten years and to contract out employment support services to private agencies,” says welfare spokesperson Eileen Brown.

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CTU backs early childhood Day of Action

1 Feb 2011 - 11:27

CTU President Helen Kelly offered backing to today’s day of action calling on the Government to reverse the cuts to early childhood funding and commit to more investment in early childhood education.

Helen Kelly said: “The cuts to ECE funding will impact on the opportunity for young children to participate in education services and the ability of many parents, especially women, to take

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Government needs to listen to alternative welfare views

9 Dec 2010 - 12:34

The Alternative Welfare Working Group report released today widens the debate on welfare sustainability, says the CTU. But will the Government listen to their views?

The Alternative Welfare Working Group has identified that for many workers there has been a shift to insecure employment and many workers are struggling to make ends meet in a series of low paid casual and temporary jobs.

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No focus on jobs from Welfare Working Group

24 Nov 2010 - 14:05

The options in the Welfare Working Group paper released today have far too much emphasis on blaming individuals for being on benefits and far too little on job creation and what is needed to keep people in employment, said the CTU.

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Sick employees need support, not harassment

16 Nov 2010 - 12:08

Sickness regulations should ensure that employees are supported on health issues and have time off if required, said the CTU today in response to the Treasury reports on sick leave.

CTU Vice President Richard Wagstaff said: “It is important that people have a clear entitlement to sick leave.

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Employment law changes will increase workplace discrimination 30.9.10

30 Sep 2010 - 16:09

Employment law changes will increase the likelihood of discrimination occurring in the workplace, said two representative union groups appearing before the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee today.

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Canterbury workers should be paid 21.9.10

21 Sep 2010 - 10:39

Canterbury workers who have not been able to go to work because their employer’s business has not been operating or has been affected adversely by the quakes, are entitled to be paid in full, said Unions Canterbury Secretary John Miller.

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Youth Union Movement: Young driver legislation will do nothing 17.9.10

17 Sep 2010 - 12:27

The youth union movement, Stand Up, is calling on the Government to invest in professional driving training, to help save lives on New Zealand roads.

Stand Up Spokesperson James Sleep says the Land Transport Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament last night is a knee-jerk response to an issue that requires more in-depth action.

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Unions meet about earthquake 13.9.10

13 Sep 2010 - 17:56

Union officials in Canterbury met today to discuss the impact of the earthquake on workers and their jobs.

CTU President Helen Kelly and CTU Secretary Peter Conway attended the meeting at which representatives of the Department of Labour and Ministry of Social Development also advised officials about financial assistance and employment queries.

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Unions respond to concerns in earthquake aftermath 6.9.10

6 Sep 2010 - 13:37

Helen Kelly, CTU President, said today that unions will work with government, business and the community in response to the earthquake in Canterbury.

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