Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Tonga invites Goddard to mediate on pay dispute
Hon Phil Goff Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
23 August 2005
Tonga invites Goddard to mediate on pay dispute
Foreign Minister Phil Goff today welcomed the Tongan government's decision to invite recently retired New Zealand Employment Court judge Tom Goddard to mediate in the public sector strike there.
“The strike is now entering its fifth week, imposing significant costs on both strikers and the economy. It is important that a process is put in place to help resolve the issues and reduce tensions in Tongan society.
"Judge Goddard has enormous experience in industrial relations and disputes resolution. His expertise will facilitate the parties being able to address their differences and hopefully to find a resolution.
“I understand that all sides to this dispute have agreed to work with Judge Goddard on how to resolve it,” Mr Goff said.
New Zealand will meet the costs of Judge Goddard and his team. Judge Goddard will be leaving for Tonga shortly to begin discussions with the parties.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
Labour Party: National Gaslights Women Fighting For Equal Pay
The Treasury: New Treasury Paper On The Productivity Slowdown
NZ Government: Government Recommits To Equal Pay
Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter: Deputy Mayor ‘disgusted’ By Response To Georgina Beyer Sculpture
Te Pāti Māori: Māori Unemployment Rate Increases By More Than Four-Times National Rates
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
