Low unemployment and strong wage growth in the December quarter 2022 Household Labour Force Survey are further evidence of New Zealand’s robust recovery from the pandemic, says the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff said the economy remained in a very strong position, with unemployment still near historic lows, at 3.4%… Read more »
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The impacts of both inflation and the Reserve Bank’s response to it through higher interest rates have fallen most heavily on low-income families, said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff following today’s December quarter CPI release. “Working people are the most affected by inflation, so it’s important that the Government continues to support working families and help… Read more »
Read more... Seasons greetings & welcome to this bumper December 2022 edition of the EconoLex. December is usually a time when we come together to celebrate the festive season. We see family and friends. It’s the season of goodwill. Economics however is known as the dismal science – and much is being made currently of the potential… Read more »
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Welcome to the November 2022 EconoLex. In this edition, we examine the proposals for Fair Pay Agreements which passed their third reading in the house – meaning that they will become available to workforces very soon. We believe that they will make a massive difference to workers and workplaces, and we examine some of the… Read more »
Read more... The root cause of our inflation and cost of living challenge is the lack of a long-term economic plan says the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. NZCTU Economist Craig Renney said the issues New Zealand is facing could be addressed with an Inflation and Incomes Act – as set out in its latest report.… Read more »
Read more... NZ Council of Trade Union economist Craig Renney said that GDP figures showed the strength of the New Zealand economy with GDP growth of 2% in the September quarter. Together with upward revisions to previous GDP data the economy is in a stronger position than many economists had been predicting. The private sector led the… Read more »
Read more... Working people across Aotearoa New Zealand are excited that the process for improving standards and conditions through Fair Pay Agreements kicks off for three key industries tomorrow. Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs), which became law last month, will allow working people to bargain collectively in an industry or occupation. Tomorrow, three key industries will begin the… Read more »
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The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is calling on the Government to follow Australia’s commitment to eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. Today, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his plan to ratify International Labour Convention 190 (C190) Violence and Harassment Convention. The announcement was made at the International Trade Union… Read more »
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The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions believes today’s announcement on expanded childcare assistance will be a big help to many working families. “We welcome these changes which further underline how this Government is backing working families at a challenging time for so many,” said Council of Trade Unions Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges. The changes which… Read more »
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Data released by Stats NZ shows a strong labour market with unemployment remaining low, more people in work, and more hours being worked. NZCTU Economist Craig Renney said “working people should be in a prime position. Unemployment remains around decade long-lows of 3.3%. Wages rose at 7.4% across the economy. More workers feel secure about… Read more »
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