August, 2002

"The Government's legislative programme includes a number of important priorities for workers," said secretary of the Council of Trade Unions Paul Goulter today.

Paul Goulter said unions were ready to work constructively with Government on growth and innovation and had much to offer from a workers' perspective.

"We also welcome the Government's commitment to many of the areas that will improve the lives of workers and their families," he said.

Paul Goulter said among the priorities for unions noted in the Speech From the Throne were the protection of employment conditions and continuity of employment when businesses were sold or contractors changed and improved paid parental leave.

"The CTU has already identified our Get A Life! campaign as a major campaign across unions," he said.

"The inclusion of an increased focus on work/life balance is welcome and unions will welcome the opportunity to work with Government and employers on a work/life programme."

The Council of Trade Unions is backing the call from the doctors' union for the Health Minister to disassociate herself from the chair of the Auckland District Health Board following his attacks on doctors in last night's Sunday television programme.

The Council of Trade Unions has welcomed today's signing of a cooperation agreement between the Green Party and the Government.

"We look forward to working closely with the Greens and the announcement of a formal working arrangement between the Green Party and the Government is welcome," said CTU secretary Paul Goulter.

Trade union leaders are meeting in Wellington today at first Council of Trade Unions National Affiliates Council meeting since the elections.

At the meeting the CTU is launching a new publication called 'Unions, Innovation, and Sustainable Development', which sets out the role of unions in New Zealand's economic development.

Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson slammed insignificant fines which undervalue workers' lives today.

Ross Wilson said the $30,000 fine against Crusader Meats for failing to keep a worker safe earlier this year was woefully inadequate.

"Although the Quarterly Employment Survey shows that employment and hours worked are up, wages are barely moving," said Council of Trade Unions economist Peter Conway today.

"What workers really need is the trifecta ? more jobs, more hours available for those on reduced hours or casual work, and higher wages," he said.

"Provisions enabling mothers to breastfeed at work are important for family-friendly workplaces," said Council of Trade Unions vice president Darien Fenton today. This week is World Breastfeeding Week.

The Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson has welcomed the report 'Creating our Future' released today by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

"The Act Party has wasted no time since the election in trivialising the tragic issue of workplace deaths," said Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson today.

"Is the Act Party prepared to tell the families and workmates of workers killed on the job that their workplaces are safe?" he said.