CTU endorses Labour tax and jobs proposals

The Council of Trade unions has welcomed the Labour Party’s proposals to focus on job creation and overhaul the tax system.

CTU President Helen Kelly said: “The Labour Party’s proposals echo several elements of the Alternative Economic Strategy which we published in October 20101. In particular we called for a tax free band, and tax rates of 38 percent on income above $100,000 and 45 percent on income above $150,000, or three times the average wage.”

“The Government’s tax changes in the last budget gave by far the most to those who needed it least, and the tiny benefits to the lowest paid have disappeared in the GST hike and the rising cost of living. A tax free band and increased taxation on the highest incomes is fairer and will begin to reduce the extremes of inequality that have grown in New Zealand over recent years.”

“We have also been calling on the Government to do more to create and protect jobs from the moment unemployment began to soar as a result of the global financial crisis. Despite an initial willingness to discuss initiatives the Government has not done nearly support employment. We welcome the Labour Party’s commitment to invest in skills training, smarter working and higher value industry, especially the double wins which can be had from green technologies.”

“The current Government has abandoned the unemployed and the low paid. New Zealand needs policies which will lift employment over the long term, redress inequalities and build a sustainable future for everyone.”

ENDS

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