CTU Raises Workers’ Issues In Kyoto Consideration

Friday, 12 April 2002, 11:16 am
Press Release: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

12 April 2002

“Unions are concerned at the insufficient information on the range of policy options in the National Interest Analysis,” Council of Trade Unions secretary Paul Goulter told the select committee considering the Kyoto protocol this morning.

“Although the CTU supports the underlying principles of the Kyoto Protocol there are key issues to be addressed for workers,” he said.

Paul Goulter outlined seven key issues for unions. Among those issues are

- The possibility of job loss in New Zealand because of leakage when a New Zealand based firm reduces emissions but then a firm in another country takes advantage of that.

- The lack of guarantees of a “just transition’ for workers affected by policy options to meet obligations.

- The impact in areas like the wood sector, where there huge employment potential.

“No worker should lose employment as a result of ratification,” Paul Goulter said.

“There needs to be strong union involvement in all the National Interest Analysis process, as the issues are vitally important for workers.”

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New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Te Kauae Kaimahi

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.

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