May 22, 2008
Media Release

EPMU welcomes responsible Budget

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union welcomes the Government’s step to provide help to working New Zealanders by cutting taxes, but says higher wages are the real answer to rising cost pressures.

The union is also pleased to see the Budget providing further investment in training, infrastructure and research which will help ensure economic growth and prosperity.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the 2008 Budget shows a solid plan for New Zealand’s future.

“Although everybody is talking about the tax cuts it is important to recognise the money that is going into areas like training and research is the money that will help us prosper in the long run.

“We’ve seen significant wage growth in the last eight years but we need to see more and it is clear that while tax cuts will provide some help for many working New Zealanders facing cost pressures, it is investment in growth that will bring real rewards in the medium to long term.

“Despite John Key’s claims, cutting taxes will never close the wage gap with Australia, especially as his comments today indicate National’s tax package will mainly target high-earners.”

The EPMU represents 50,000 working New Zealander across 11 industries.

ENDS

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