CTU MEDIA RELEASE

17 October 2006

Work Stoppages Remain Historically Low

"Work stoppages remain historically low, with the vast majority of employment agreements settled without industrial action," CTU president Ross Wilson said today.

Statistics New Zealand data released today showed 9 work stoppages ended in the June 2006 quarter, and 59 stoppages ended in the year to June 2006.

"The resort to strike action is a sign of unjustified employer resistance in most cases. Employers who are unrealistic about the need for a decent wage increase will continue to see workers exercising their right to take industrial action in support of a wage claim."

"There are over 2,500 collective employment agreements in force, and the majority of employers have recognised the need to offer higher wages to attract and retain workers."

"The brutal month-long lockout of Progressive Enterprises workers in September does not feature in these statistics, but it does highlight the extent to which some employers will go in their efforts to prevent workers from claiming a fair wage."

ENDS

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