CTU MEDIA RELEASE
01 March 2007

Last Minute Attempts to Deny Equal Rights For Disabled Workers Unwelcome

“All workers deserve the right to decent work, and recent attempts to delay the phasing out of minimum wage exemptions in sheltered workshop are unwelcome,” CTU Secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

Parliament is expected to complete the remaining stages of the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion (DPEP) Act Repeal Bill within the coming weeks. The CTU supports the Bill and submitted in favour of it at select committee.

“The CTU has consistently advocated for an investment approach in workers and active labour market policies to help workers find suitable employment. The NZ Disability Strategy and Pathways To Inclusion, the documents signalling the DPEP Act repeal, fit comfortably within that framework.”

“The repeal of the DPEP Act is not a new issue – it has been signalled for years. The CTU is in discussion with disability sector organisations and government about what role unions can play in the protection of rights and representation of workers, and ensuring transparency and fair processes around any exemptions to the law.”

“The CTU acknowledges those employers who have taken the opportunity while the Bill has been before Parliament to make sure that they are ready and able to engage actively with this change.”

ENDS