Grant Robertson
Employment spokesperson

26 June 2013

500 job losses show need for jobs plan

The Government’s complete lack of a plan for jobs rubs salt into the wounds of the 500 New Zealand Post workers who lost their jobs today, Grant Robertson said.

“The loss of 500 jobs at New Zealand Post will further damage the regions of New Zealand. While some new jobs are being created they are only in three cities, while most workers losing their jobs are in the provinces. New Zealand Post admits just five per cent will be able to relocate to take the new jobs on offer. This will be a difficult day for those workers and their families.

“Yet again, heartland New Zealand is being hollowed out. National has no plan to create good, well-paying jobs throughout the country.

“National is creating a two-speed economy, which is hurting the regions. The people benefiting from National are Sky City and speculators in Auckland’s property market. While the Christchurch rebuild is providing work for some, disaster recovery is not a sustainable economic plan.”

“There is no strategy to get businesses creating jobs and opportunities for Kiwis.

“New Zealanders need a plan. They need to know that if they lose their job there are others out there.

“Kiwis deserve good jobs that pay a high wage. That’s why Labour is focussed on revitalising our manufacturing and exporting industries. We will also work with regions to develop sustainable jobs and support research and development. That will create opportunities and employment throughout the country.

“Our plan to tackle the overvalued dollar, increase innovation and support business through giving Kiwi firms a fair go at Government procurement will get our industries growing and creating jobs. It’s what New Zealand needs,” Grant Robertson said.

ENDS

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