06 August 2004

CTU Calls on Politicians to Respect Employment and Political Rights

The public attacks on former Labour Department employee Amokura Panoho are an unacceptable threat to her employment and political rights, Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

“It is a matter of fundamental human rights that every New Zealander is entitled to exercise democratic and civil rights, and to fairness in employment processes,” Ross Wilson said. “The public comments today by the Associate Maori Affairs Minister, John Tamihere, appear to disregard both.”

Trade unionists have had to fight to gain and maintain these rights and we must be vigilant in ensuring that they are respected, he said.

“In the political heat around the emergence of the Maori Party some people are losing sight of the need to respect not only these fundamental human rights, but differing views on current political issues.

“Respect for the right to hold and express differing political views is an essential element of civil society,” Ross Wilson said. “Politicians like John Tamihere should be setting the example.”

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.

CONTACT NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL OF TRADE UNIONS

• Website - union.org.nz/
• Phone - +64 4 385 1334
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• Physical Address - Level 7, West Block, Education House, 178 Willis St, Wellington.

• Media Contact - huiaw@nzctu.org.nz
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• Postal Address - PO Box 6645, Marion Square, Wellington 6141.

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