National Declares War on Workers

The National Party has declared war on workers and unions with its industrial relations policy, Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

The CTU has taken out radio advertising to encourage workers to get on the electoral roll and be aware of parties' workplace policies. It has also produced a leaflet which outlined getting on the roll, how MMP works, and parties' voting track records on employment legislation.

"National has criticised unions for being politically partisan but part of our job is to represent workers' interests at the political level, and National's industrial relations policy is not in the interests of workers," Ross Wilson said.

The CTU did not try to tell working people how to vote, but had a responsibility to assess work-related policies which affected workers, their families and communities, he said.

"National's policy would take us back to the 1990s and workers know from bitter experience this would mean a return to the divisive and destructive days of the Employment Contracts Act.

"We were left with low wages, child poverty, and skill shortages that still hamper economic and social development today."

Under National policy, workers would expect lower wage increases, reduced job security, the right of appeal axed if they are dismissed, cuts in holiday, sick and bereavement leave, and reduced health and safety protection at work.

"Some voters may be tempted by promises of a small tax cut but they will pay several times over in reduced wages and public services and increased interest rates and prices, if National is elected," Ross Wilson said.

ENDS

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