E tū supports Green Party manufacturing initiatives
21 July, 2016
MEDIA RELEASE
E tū supports Green Party manufacturing initiatives
E tū says it supports in principle the initiatives released by the Green Party today, to support high value manufacturing.
E tū’s National Director of Industries, Ged O’Connell says E tū has previously endorsed all the policies, including the appointment of a Manufacturing Minister, which could help make manufacturing a more attractive investment.
“If a Minister is able to lift the credibility of investing in manufacturing, it may have the effect of persuading New Zealanders to invest in job-rich industries, rather than the housing market”, says Ged.
As the largest union for manufacturing workers, Ged says E tū welcomes the Green Party’s contribution to the debate over the future of manufacturing, including a coherent government supported strategy for high value manufacturing jobs.
He says these are needed to replace good jobs with decent pay such as those at Fisher and Paykel Appliances which are currently being lost.
“New Zealand needs good quality, well-paid manufacturing jobs” he says.
“The current government thinks the market will look after this sector. But every successful manufacturing enterprise has had government support.”
ENDS