CTU Supports "Seriously Asia" Initiative

The CTU supports the Government's "Seriously Asia" initiative launched today but says the bid to boost trade needs to be balanced with good settlement policies for Asian migrants.

"The CTU recognises there are major opportunities for boosting exports to Asia and we welcome the extra jobs that would create," says CTU president Ross Wilson.

"I'm pleased the "Seriously Asia" initiative recognises the need to build cultural as well as economic links between New Zealand and Asia."

"The CTU believes this is the key to building a long term relationship that produces on going job growth."

"With a growing number of Asians settling and working in New Zealand we need to ensure that there is a greater understanding of the many countries these new arrivals come from."

"We also need to ensure there is no discrimination in employment practices and that there are settlement programmes that enable harmony in the workplace."

Ross Wilson added that these immigration policies should be balanced with investment in pre-employment and skills training for everyone seeking work.

He says unions are concerned that the Government's drive to boost trade with Asia includes education as one of the services for sale.

"There is the risk of turning New Zealand's state schools into businesses where the education provided is for sale."

"The danger is that education becomes a commodity rather than a service that benefits society and helps provide the skills to build a knowledge economy," says Ross Wilson.