May 1, 2007
Media Release

Review welcome but politicians must stop cynical point-scoring

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union welcomes the announcement of a select committee inquiry into New Zealand’s monetary policies, but is concerned by the political point-scoring the issue has provoked.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says it is good to see government coming in to bat for Kiwi manufacturers who have been bled dry by monetarist policies and the resulting high dollar.

“Over the last twelve months we’ve seen hundreds of jobs lost in the manufacturing sector as the high dollar has driven the cost of imports down and the price of our exports up.

“The job losses at Fisher and Paykel are only the latest and most high-profile example of this problem but they clearly signal this review is long overdue, and we’ll be bringing our experience and knowledge of the sector to this discussion.

However, Little says if the inquiry is to work the National Party needs to put aside its partisan politics and make a sensible contribution to the debate.
_
“It’s disappointing to see that even this morning National is still fixated on cutting spending and scrapping labour protections. That means lower wages and less job security for ordinary Kiwis, and will do nothing to help exporters.

“Nearly every single reputable analyst is saying the current problems are due to the high dollar. National is putting ideology ahead of the clear good of the economy, and at a time when people’s jobs are on the line that’s just irresponsible.”

The EPMU is running meetings around the country for members covered by the Metals Multi Employer Collective Agreement (New Zealand’s largest manufacturing employment agreement) to discuss industry and bargaining issues this week.

ENDS

© Scoop Media