Cullen a glutton for punishment
Cullen a glutton for punishment
Tuesday 14th Sep
1999
Richard Prebble
Media Release --
Economy
Wellington Central MP Richard Prebble says he's pleased Labour's deputy leader will be visiting his patch tomorrow.
"Michael Cullen who had a disastrous visit to the West Coast yesterday is now coming to repeat the performance in Wellington.
"I note he is going to the Chamber of Commerce. I know that the Chamber's first question to him will be: Why is Labour proposing to renationalise ACC without compensation?
"With competition, the average business in Wellington Central has seen its ACC premiums halved. Labour's proposals will hurt the electorate and hurt employment.
"Their second question will be: Why is Labour proposing to give trade unions a monopoly on the negotiation of collective agreements?
Why will workers in Wellington Central have to join a union to be able to receive the same conditions as the trade union collective? This equates to compulsory unionism - with average union fees of $500 a year.
"The Chamber will also want to know: Why is Labour proposing to legalise union-organised strikes against whole industries?
Wellington has not been badly affected by the Ansett pilots' dispute but Labour's proposal, which would legalise a strike against both airlines, would be disastrous for Wellington. Wellington is now the country's third-largest tourist centre.
"It will be interesting to hear Dr Cullen's answers and I'm sure the people of Wellington will be just as impressed as the West Coasters were."
ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.