The role of the union

Over the past decade unions have worked with employer and industry groups, and with the Government, in both the private and public sectors, to provide input into our national frameworks for economic growth and development.

There is an emerging consensus of the need for the New Zealand economy to pursue a high wage, high skill, high-value strategy, in contrast to the “low road” approach of the past.

The “high road” has much to offer to trade unions and their members. It can deliver improved wages and conditions, better training opportunities, recognition and reward based on merit rather than gender or ethnicity or age. It can provide more inclusive workplaces, and workloads and working hours that allow people to make genuine choices about how they manage their work, family and leisure activities.

Delivering these results does not happen on its own. They will be achieved by unions taking action and seeking to work with employers to put changes in place in New Zealand workplaces.

The Workplace Productivity Education Programme and supporting resources are fundamental steps on this journey.