Superannuation

Failed prescription no medicine for savings ills

17 Dec 2010 - 11:59

The Savings Working Group lumps too much blame on New Zealand households without addressing other causes of low savings, said CTU Economist Bill Rosenberg in response to the Group’s interim report published today.

Bill Rosenberg said: “The report fails to analyse the role of the big four Australian banks in stimulating the housing price bubble and household debt by their risky overseas

view
Super shake-up poses many risks

7 Dec 2010 - 17:32

The recommendation to increase the age of entitlement for NZ Super to 67 years would, if implemented, be tough on many workers, said the CTU today in response to the report by the Retirement Commissioner.

To remove universal entitlement at age 65 but replace it with a selective means tested benefit for some people until they are 67 is a major change to a universal entitlement.

view
Budget Mismatch – Unemployment set to rise but limited investment in jobs and skills

28 May 2009 - 17:55

The CTU has criticised today’s Budget for not doing enough to stimulate the jobs market and invest in skills.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, said: “This was always going to be a tough Budget requiring difficult choices. But the Government could have done more in the short run to boost employment and has actually reduced planned funding on industry training.”

view
Bittersweet for workers on April Fool’s Day

31 Mar 2009 - 14:21

April 1st will be a bittersweet day for workers says the CTU.

view
CTU welcomes softening of KiwiSaver stance by government

8 Dec 2008 - 17:24

The Council of Trade Unions says that the Government’s consideration of changes to their KiwiSaver stance will soften the blow for low income workers, but fundamental problems still remain.

John Key said today that Cabinet have considered changes to National’s KiwiSaver policy, and the CTU looks forward to seeing further details.

view
CTU calls on National to abandon KiwiSaver Cuts

23 Oct 2008 - 15:16

Council of Trade Unions President Helen Kelly is calling on the National Party to abandon their KiwiSaver cuts.

view
National’s KiwiSaver cuts double what is reported

9 Oct 2008 - 10:27

“Further reading of National’s economic management plan shows alongside National’s plans to cut employer contributions to 2 per cent and abolish the employer tax credit, it will also cut the government contribution (member tax credit) to 2 per cent, leaving many workers earning under $52,000 much worse off.”

view
Axing KiwiSaver to pay for tax cuts is not a serious economic plan

8 Oct 2008 - 13:46

"The National Party tax policy does nothing to address New Zealand’s low wage problem and significantly discourages long term savings. Axing KiwiSaver to pay for tax cuts is not a serious economic plan,” CTU Economist Peter Conway said.

view
Employers campaign against KiwiSaver rights miserable

23 Jul 2008 - 07:10

The CTU has slammed the Northern Employers and Manufacturers Association’s campaign to stop an amendment to the law that will ensure workers get their fair share of KiwiSaver entitlements. In a very small number of cases employers are making workers pay both their own and the employer’s contributions out of their pay.

view
KiwiSaver clarification welcomed

12 Jul 2008 - 12:07

The Council of Trade Unions has welcomed moves to amend employment law to ensure workers get their fair share of KiwiSaver entitlements.

“New Zealanders have shown a strong interest in KiwiSaver, with over 700,000 members joining since the scheme started last year,” CTU president Helen Kelly said.

view