July 19, 2004

Media Advisory

The biennial conference of New Zealand’s largest trade union, the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) begins in Rotorua tomorrow.

The conference is the ruling body of the union, and sets the union’s policies and directions for the next two years.

It is also a chance for elected shop-floor representatives to debate the major issues facing working people in the 21st century.

Conference highlights are:

- The union’s response to the New Right’s attempted come-back under Don Brash.
- The effect of the China free-trade agreement on New Zealand manufacturing.
- The development of a charter by which New Zealand management can be measured.
- Promotion of employer-sponsored workplace savings schemes (superannuation).
- The election of senior officials, including national secretary.

Conference guests include:

- Prime Minister Helen Clark
- Labour Minister Paul Swain
- Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton.
- Professor Nigel Haworth
- Associate Professor Nigel Roberts, Victoria University.

A conference agenda follows. Most of the conference is open to the media.

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE 2004
19-23 JULY 2004, LAKE PLAZA HOTEL, ROTORUA

FINAL AGENDA

Monday, 19 July

9am Council meeting

Tuesday, 20 July

11am Opening/Powhiri
President’s welcome
National Secretary’s welcome

12.30pm Lunch

1.30pm Conference report

3.30-
4.30pm Hon. Paul Swain, Minister of Labour, to speak during afternoon session.

4.30pm Conference report continued.

5.30pm Conclude for day

Wednesday, 21 July

9am Remits

10.15am Break
10.45am Presentation on member survey.
12.00pm Presentation on new Rules
12.30pm Lunch

1.30pm Presentation on impact of China (Professor Nigel Haworth)
2.15pm Workshops:
1. Workplace superannuation (Michael Littlewood of ASFONZ and Doug Lilly to participate).
2. Management charter (Clare Curran of Inzight to participate).
3. Manufacturing and China FTA.
(Deborah Geels of MFAT and Mark Evans of MED to participate).

3.45pm Break

4.00pm Workshop report backs.

5.00pm Conclude for day

Helen Clark in attendance for happy hour and dinner.

Thursday, 22 July

9am Remits
10.15am Break
10.45am Presentation on industry planning.
11.30am Debate and decision on Rules.
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Presentation on political situation – Associate Professor Nigel Roberts
2.30pm Workshop(s) on political issues.
3.15pm Break.
3.40pm Speech by Jim Anderton
4.30pm International panel discussion.
5.30pm Conclude for day.
7.30pm Conference dinner.

Friday, 23 July

9am Elections

10.15am Break

10.45am Remits

11.30am Close

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