10 October 2006
Union Involvement In Fishing Wage Discussions Would Have Seen Different Outcome
"The CTU Runanga believes that if unions had been at the table during discussions over wages in the fishing industry we
would have been able to see this through to a resolution, instead of the 11th hour discussion we have witnessed," CTU
vice president Maori Sharon Clair said today.
"Our core principles are that foreign fishing workers employed in our waters have the right to their wages and working
conditions being protected."
"By protecting these workers we have a responsibility in being vigilant in ensuring wages and working conditions are not
undermining New Zealand labour conditions and the fishing industry as a whole."
"We agree that yesterday's decision raises the issue of the impact on the fisheries Treaty of Waitangi settlement and
this needs to be discussed."
"We encourage government to engage with iwi and consider a solution which recognises and ensures the viability of the
emerging iwi fishing companies," she said.
ENDS