Plenty Of Opportunity For Worker Input Into Sustainability Agenda

"Workers will take a keen interest in developing a sustainable New Zealand, and have plenty to bring to the table," CTU president Ross Wilson said today, after the Prime Minister's Statement to Parliament.

"CTU Unions are a partner in sustainable development and we welcome the commitment to work on sustainable improvements across a broad agenda encompassing economic, social, environmental issues and nationhood."

"Workers are a rich source of innovation in ideas on how to conserve energy at workplaces. This potential should be harnessed." "Unions have also welcomed the introduction of KiwiSaver, as a first step towards sustainable incomes in retirement, and employers can expect claims from unions for employer contributions to Kiwisaver this year."

"The commitment to reinvigorate the tripartite SkillNZ forum is a positive signal. Unions are involved and leading several initiatives to lift workers' skills and increase participation at work."

"There have been real improvements since the dark days of the 1990s when unemployment was high, where new foodbanks opened regularly and when the minimum wage was frozen for three years at seven dollars. The CTU wants to see the momentum continued on addressing the problems caused by the 1990s legacy of low wages."

"The sustainability work programme cannot be done by government alone - a commitment is needed from communities, unions and business stepping up to the plate to work together with government to operationalise the sustainability agenda, if we are to see real gains."

ENDS

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