The Council of Trade Unions is warning that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures out today illustrate that the cost of living is increasing disproportionately for those on lower incomes; resulting in the poor getting poorer. CTU Economist Craig Renney comments, “The cost of essential items like food and rent are increasing at a higher… Read more »
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Unions: Better resourcing of WorkSafe – a lesson from Whakaari
The Ministry for Business innovation and Employment (MBIE) has today released its targeted review of adventure activities regulations. This review was conducted as a direct result of the Whakaari disaster. CTU President Richard Wagstaff comments, “One of the key findings of the review was that ‘WorkSafe prioritised other sectors with high work-related harm over adventure… Read more »
Read more...GDP provides a positive signal
The Council of Trade Unions welcomed the return of growth in the New Zealand economy. Statistics New Zealand data released today showed quarterly GDP growth of 14% – breaking the previous six-month decline brought on by COVID-19 and the associated international downturn. On an annual basis GDP declined 2.2%, showing the economy has not yet… Read more »
Read more...Union movement welcomes $20 minimum wage
Working people are pleased that the minimum wage will increase to $20 per hour from 1 April 2021. An increase of $1.10 from the current minimum wage of $18.90. “Increasing the minimum wage to $20 was a promise that Labour made in 2017. The minimum wage provides a floor; something that employers cannot legally pay… Read more »
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Covid-19 recovery needs to reach all New Zealanders equally
The Council of Trade Unions today welcomed signs most New Zealanders have been supported by the Covid-19 response, released in the Government’s Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update. “This Government has been a good overall steward of the economy, and that shows in the numbers released today”, said CTU President Richard Wagstaff. Unemployment is now… Read more »
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Unions call on Government to support international convention against violence & harassment at work
The Council of Trade Unions is calling on the New Zealand Government to ratify an International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention against violence and harassment at work. “Nobody should ever experience violence and harassment at work. That’s why artists, activists, working people and their unions are calling on the Government to sign up to the International… Read more »
Read more...Election promise to security guards fulfilled
The Council of Trade Unions is pleased that the Government has fulfilled an election promise to provide for better employment protections for security guards. “Past experience has shown that security guards are a vulnerable workforce susceptible to significant changes in employment terms and conditions. When contracts for security services change hands the people working as… Read more »
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Unions support declaration of Climate Emergency
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions President Richard Wagstaff today supported the Prime Minister’s Announcement of a climate change emergency, saying it signaled a more urgent move to a Just Transition for people working in carbon-based industries. “Through the Covid-19 response, this Government has already shown what is possible in the face of an emergency… Read more »
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Safer sick leave a step closer
Working people are welcoming today’s announcement from Hon Michael Wood, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, that the law change, increasing minimum sick leave from 5 days to 10 days per year, will be initiated before Christmas. “We are pleased that the Minister has clearly heard the rationale of the union movement’s campaign to increase… Read more »
Read more...CTU welcomes living wage for fruit pickers
The Council of Trade Unions is welcoming today’s announcement by Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor that the 2000 people from the Pacific being brought to New Zealand to pick seasonal fruit, will be paid no less than the living wage of $22.10 per hour. “This decision sets an important precedent for… Read more »
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