In the third Wellbeing Budget on May 14, which will respond to the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown, at least the following items are vital to ensure the New Zealand economy does not continue to be low wage, low productivity, high rent and high carbon: Support for industry that commits to paying at least living… Read more »
Read more...
The Council of Trade Unions has today set out its agenda for climate and just transition policies for 2020 and into the new parliamentary term after next year’s election, with the release of ten key actions for government to pick up. “Next Steps on just transition to good, green jobs” was launched at CTU Biennial Conference… Read more »
Read more...
Yesterday’s announcement from the Minister for Immigration, to improve temporary work visas for migrant workers, provides some positive changes but more detail is needed. The Council of Trade Unions fundamentally supports the principle of making work better for everyone in New Zealand; migrant workers and New Zealanders. “Simplifying the visa process for those wanting to… Read more »
Read more...
In July, the Centre for Labour, Employment and Work (CLEW) at Victoria University released their annual analysis of collective employment agreements (CEAs). It shows again that people who are part of a collective get better pay rises: the union pay premium.
Read more...
In June, Statistics New Zealand published data from its annual Annual Enterprise Survey (AES) which shows company profits, wages and salaries paid, and many other details of companies in the commercial economy. It shows a falling share of income going to wage and salary earners, along with increasing company profits which are even stronger when… Read more »
Read more... Last Tuesday the CTU launched a report by economist Dr Ganesh Nana on the evidence as to the impacts of industry (or sector) collective bargaining. We commissioned the study to promote Fair Pay Agreements which the Government is currently considering. Fair Pay Agreements aim to form a floor of wages and conditions for an industry,… Read more »
Read more...
The Council of Trade Unions has today released an independent report conducted by economic research company BERL into the validity of sector bargaining. And the findings are clear – there is no economic reason not to implement sector bargaining but many social and individual wellbeing reasons to do so. CTU President Richard Wagstaff is urging… Read more »
Read more... An historic international agreement by unions, employers and governments was forged last week in Geneva at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) with a new international Convention passed to eliminate violence and harassment at work. The passing of this ILO Convention demonstrates that violence and harassment for working people is an international issue and needs international… Read more »
Read more...On June 26 working people from New Zealand and around the world are taking climate action. “Climate Change is a threat to all of us. We must do more to look after our planet. Extreme weather events are already destroying jobs and livelihoods and, if we don’t act now, temperature increases will lead to the… Read more »
Read more...
Was the “Wellbeing Budget” much different from any other Budget? Was it better? It is of course the first one, so we need to allow the Government some room to develop its ideas and processes. Quick answer: Yes it was a Wellbeing Budget in that it was built around the idea of focusing on many… Read more »
Read more...