Union Involvement May Have Seen Different Outcome

Tuesday, 10 October 2006, 1:39 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

10 October 2006

Union Involvement In Fishing Wage Discussions Would Have Seen Different Outcome

"The CTU Runanga believes that if unions had been at the table during discussions over wages in the fishing industry we would have been able to see this through to a resolution, instead of the 11th hour discussion we have witnessed," CTU vice president Maori Sharon Clair said today.

"Our core principles are that foreign fishing workers employed in our waters have the right to their wages and working conditions being protected."

"By protecting these workers we have a responsibility in being vigilant in ensuring wages and working conditions are not undermining New Zealand labour conditions and the fishing industry as a whole."

"We agree that yesterday's decision raises the issue of the impact on the fisheries Treaty of Waitangi settlement and this needs to be discussed."

"We encourage government to engage with iwi and consider a solution which recognises and ensures the viability of the emerging iwi fishing companies," she said.

ENDS

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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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