Worker participation on the agenda

13 October 2005

Worker participation on the agenda

The Council of Trade Unions wants to see workers in unions as key participants in the task of building a high wage, high skill, high quality economy, as it launches a new booklet today for union delegates and members, called Your Job. Your Industry. Your Future.

“Workers have tremendous knowledge about their workplace and industry that is often left untapped,” said Ross Wilson, President of the Council of Trade Unions.

“Our booklet encourages workers to have a say in their industry on issues such as skills, productivity and pay, and stresses the importance of unions, business and government coming together to develop a coherent plan for a high wage, high skill, high quality economy.”

“This booklet, and our wider engagement strategies as a movement, build on already existing examples of worker involvement in workplace productivity, industry development strategies (such as textiles and clothing, wood, food and beverage, and seafood), health and safety education, learning representatives in the workplace, Maori economic development, and much more,” said Ross Wilson.

The booklet also makes the case for a strong and vibrant manufacturing sector and calls for more Government support and a Minister responsible for manufacturing. It is being released a few days before the CTU Biennial Conference, where Prime Minister Helen Clark will be a keynote speaker.

“Trade unions will work closely with government and business on these issues but the business sector needs to show more willingness to engage on industry strategies across the board,” said Ross Wilson.

A copy of the booklet is available at http://www.union.org.nz/policy/112914289813992.html, or by request to samh@nzctu.org.nz

ENDS

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