Union Role Crucial to Innovation

MEDIA RELEASE

15 August 2002

Union Role Crucial to Innovation

Trade union leaders are meeting in Wellington today at first Council of Trade Unions National Affiliates' Council meeting since the elections.

At the meeting the CTU is launching a new publication called ‘Unions, Innovation, and Sustainable Development’, which sets out the role of unions in New Zealand’s economic development.

“Over the next few years, we expect there will be an increased
focus on creating high performance workplaces through combining investment in innovation, technology and design, higher levels of skill development, and improved workplace organisation and culture,” said CTU president Ross Wilson.

“The role of unions is crucial to innovation and sustainable development.”

On the eve of the huge World Summit on Sustainable Development in
Johannesburg, and as a new Government is commencing, the CTU has put a stake in the ground by asserting that workers and unions are part of industry, and
that improvements in productivity and economic growth cannot be achieved if
workers and unions are excluded from making an independent contribution.

“Unions will continue to focus on a fair distribution of today's economic resources, and for labour market laws that set reasonable minimum standards and processes for negotiation,” said Ross Wilson.

“We are also vitally concerned about creating a prosperous future, which means more employment, greater investment in skills, and a sustainable development framework.”

The CTU National Affiliates Council brings together 32 unions, representing nearly 300, 000 workers.

ENDS

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