Unions release Election Policy Statement

Sunday, 5 October 2008, 1:49 pm
Press Release: Council of Trade Unions

CTU MEDIA RELEASE
05 October 2008

Unions release Election Policy Statement

On the eve of a week in which incomes policies will be under scrutiny in the election campaign, the Council of Trade Unions has today released its election policy statement, setting out how to lift incomes and protect workers rights in New Zealand.

“There is more to lifting incomes than taxes alone,” CTU president Helen Kelly said today.  “What really impacts on workers’ wage packets are the wages they are paid, and the social services we all enjoy.  Parties need to spell out clearly how they will lift wages and protect core social services.  National has linked tax cuts to cuts in public services – which workers will not support."

The document sets out the CTU’s medium term policy goals, including increasing the minimum wage to two-thirds of the average wage ($15 in the interim), 26 weeks paid parental leave, moving to 56 weeks, boosting investment in skills and technology and lifting the rate of multi employer collective bargaining and industry agreements.

The CTU’s election campaign centres on the three themes of rights at work, strong public services and higher wages, and the document also sets out CTU goals in a range of other areas, including economic policy, public services and health and safety. 

“The CTU has met with all the major parties over this statement in recent months, and looks forward to comparing the parties’ policies on wages, jobs and incomes, including at a special CTU Employment Relations Election 08 forum in Wellington this Thursday,” Helen Kelly said.

The CTU will also this week launch 300,000 copies of its new election leaflet, with a second national day of action on Tuesday - World Day for Decent Work - targeting transport hubs across New Zealand.  Including the earlier ‘What’s at Stake’ leaflet the CTU is distributing half a million leaflets during this election campaign.
 

Download the full Election Policy Statement or a summary version here: http://union.org.nz/policy/ctu-2008-election-policy-statement

Ends. 

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New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Te Kauae Kaimahi

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.

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