Labour Market Issues

Council of Trade Unions Economist Peter Conway says that the removal of full employment and equitable distribution of income as objectives in the Policy Targets Agreement is a worrying sign, and has called on the Finance Minister to explain the move.

Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly says that the ReStart package announced by the Government today has made a start to help workers being made redundant, but there are people who will miss out.

The Council of Trade Unions says today that investment in jobs and skills will be vital as we see unemployment on the rise.

Figures released today showed that unemployment is now at 4.2 percent with 6,000 more unemployed than 3 months ago.

Wage statistics out today show a modest rise, but the employment figures confirm that the number of jobs in the economy is shrinking, said Peter Conway, Council of Trade Unions Economist.

Add the two packages says CTU

The Council of Trade Unions says that the job transition proposals from the two main parties both have merits, and a combination of the two packages would be the best outcome to ensure workers don’t unfairly bear the brunt of a slowing economy.

The Council of Trade Unions is welcoming initiatives announced today to give workers more security as the economy slows.

CTU president Helen Kelly said a job search allowance helps to deal with the immediate impact of job losses, and workers would value it.

An admission today from Rural Contractors New Zealand that the industry is discriminating against New Zealand workers strengthens the need for the development of a comprehensive workforce strategy in the horticulture and viticulture industry, Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said today.

The Council of Trade Unions today has welcomed announcements by the Government on deposit protection as well as policy commitments from the Labour Party on infrastructure, apprenticeships and a new retraining allowance.
 

“ANZ’s commitment to the New Zealand public and its workforce is in question again today following further restructuring at a bank which made a $1.1 billion profit off New Zealanders last year,” Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said today.

"Older workers are an essential part of our workforce, and will increasingly be so as people work longer due to better health and for the social and economic benefit from work,” Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said today, welcoming the release of “Valuing Experience: a practical guide to recruiting and retainin