CTU Media Release
22 January 2013
Challenges ahead in Labour Portfolio
The CTU has congratulated Simon Bridges on his appointment as Minister of Labour.
Helen Kelly, CTU President said "there are many challenges in this portfolio that previous Ministers in this Government
have failed to satisfactorily address including health and safety, lifting the minimum wage, and addressing the major
problem of precarious work with so many on casual, contracting, or short-term employment arrangements."
"The Government plans to make further significant negative employment law changes this year, including reducing the wage
for young workers. These changes will make matters worse for New Zealand families, and the test for this new Minister is
whether or not he is prepared to change track and support the rights and aspirations of working New Zealanders."
Helen Kelly said that the CTU looked forward to an opportunity to discuss these major issues with the new Minister.
"The CTU is hopeful that the incoming Minister of Labour, Simon Bridges, will keep the momentum going on implementing
the outcomes of the Pike River Report," said Helen Kelly.
ENDS