The Council of Trade Unions has today presented an oral submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee (Education and workforce) considering the proposed changes to the Holidays Act which would allow for improved minimum sick leave entitlements. “Working people have successfully campaigned to improve the legal minimum sick leave entitlement from 5 days to 10. We… Read more »
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The Council of Trade Unions is warning that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures out today illustrate that the cost of living is increasing disproportionately for those on lower incomes; resulting in the poor getting poorer. CTU Economist Craig Renney comments, “The cost of essential items like food and rent are increasing at a higher… Read more »
Read more...The Ministry for Business innovation and Employment (MBIE) has today released its targeted review of adventure activities regulations. This review was conducted as a direct result of the Whakaari disaster. CTU President Richard Wagstaff comments, “One of the key findings of the review was that ‘WorkSafe prioritised other sectors with high work-related harm over adventure… Read more »
Read more...The Council of Trade Unions welcomed the return of growth in the New Zealand economy. Statistics New Zealand data released today showed quarterly GDP growth of 14% – breaking the previous six-month decline brought on by COVID-19 and the associated international downturn. On an annual basis GDP declined 2.2%, showing the economy has not yet… Read more »
Read more...Working people are pleased that the minimum wage will increase to $20 per hour from 1 April 2021. An increase of $1.10 from the current minimum wage of $18.90. “Increasing the minimum wage to $20 was a promise that Labour made in 2017. The minimum wage provides a floor; something that employers cannot legally pay… Read more »
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The Council of Trade Unions today welcomed signs most New Zealanders have been supported by the Covid-19 response, released in the Government’s Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update. “This Government has been a good overall steward of the economy, and that shows in the numbers released today”, said CTU President Richard Wagstaff. Unemployment is now… Read more »
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The Council of Trade Unions is calling on the New Zealand Government to ratify an International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention against violence and harassment at work. “Nobody should ever experience violence and harassment at work. That’s why artists, activists, working people and their unions are calling on the Government to sign up to the International… Read more »
Read more...The Council of Trade Unions is pleased that the Government has fulfilled an election promise to provide for better employment protections for security guards. “Past experience has shown that security guards are a vulnerable workforce susceptible to significant changes in employment terms and conditions. When contracts for security services change hands the people working as… Read more »
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New Zealand Council of Trade Unions President Richard Wagstaff today supported the Prime Minister’s Announcement of a climate change emergency, saying it signaled a more urgent move to a Just Transition for people working in carbon-based industries. “Through the Covid-19 response, this Government has already shown what is possible in the face of an emergency… Read more »
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Working people are welcoming today’s announcement from Hon Michael Wood, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, that the law change, increasing minimum sick leave from 5 days to 10 days per year, will be initiated before Christmas. “We are pleased that the Minister has clearly heard the rationale of the union movement’s campaign to increase… Read more »
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