13 October 2004

Partnership Centre Presents Challenge to Private Sector

The Partnership Resource Centre presented a challenge to the private sector to engage constructively on the issues which are vital to the country’s future, Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

“The Partnership Resource Centre, announced by the Government, provides an opportunity for employers and unions in the private sector to develop new strategies and relationships to build the high value, high skill, high wage economy we urgently need,” Ross Wilson said.

At last year’s conference the CTU endorsed social partnership strategies as recognising the voice of working people at workplace, industry and national level.

“The CTU has been working on the establishment of this centre for several months.

“We need to move on from the lingering legacy of the Employment Contracts Act era and develop new forms of engagement between employers and unions.”

The CTU had studied partnership models in other successful countries such as Ireland, but recognised the need for a uniquely New Zealand model, Ross Wilson said.

“Engagement between unions, employers and Government on key issues such as skill development, productivity, and workplace organisation is vital.

“For unions, such engagement should be made on a willing and independent basis with active membership participation.”

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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