Social Development Can’t Wait Until 2004
“Unions want to see proper funding of quality public services and sufficient resources in the state sector for decent
pay and conditions for workers in Thursday’s budget,” Council of Trade Unions President Ross Wilson said today.
“Unions are hopeful that Thursday’s budget will also show continued investment in economic development, including
industry training and modern apprenticeships.”
Last year the CTU expressed concern that insufficient resources were being devoted to social development.
“It is very important that the legacy of poverty and huge income inequalities from the 1990s is addressed,” said Ross
Wilson.
“Michael Cullen says any substantial resources will have to wait until Budget 2004 and that depends on there being a
‘structural’ surplus identified by then,” he said.
“These issues need serious attention now rather than a possible measure in a year’s time.”
Ross Wilson said that, on the capital side, the Government needs to be prepared to play an active role in infrastructure
investment.