CTU MEDIA RELEASE
06 July 2006

Investing in People Best Way to Improve Employment

The Council of Trade Unions says that investing in people is the best way to improve labour market outcomes.

"Getting the investment in skills development right is needed to bring down unemployment and build a high wage economy. Unions support the current active labour market policy direction that seeks to invest workers’ development,” said CTU Secretary Carol Beaumont.

“Despite the positive employment figures announced today, there remain serious issues with the security of jobs in some sectors, in particular manufacturing. Workers have a vital interest in the success of this sector, and unions remain committed to a clear strategy for a viable manufacturing sector.”

"We must also not forget the ethnic disparity that features in our unemployment figures, and direct our attention to addressing this. While Pakeha unemployment is 3.2 percent, it is 7.6 percent for Pacific peoples, 8.7 percent for Maori.”

“Unions will continue to advocate for policies that invest in workers and treat them with respect, and will vigorously oppose moves to cut workers’ rights - as the Bill establishing a 90 day “probation” period currently before parliament does.”

Carol Beaumont said that with unemployment low employers needed to get moving with improving wages, and improvements in other areas such as flexible working hours.

ENDS

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