Labour takes manufacturing seriously

Manufacturing workers and employers will all benefit from economic policies announced today by the Labour Party leader, David Cunliffe.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has welcomed the announcement of a total economic upgrade for the manufacturing sector.

“We have consistently called on the government to take manufacturing seriously,” says Louisa Jones, EPMU manufacturing industry organiser. “Over recent years, we’ve seen too many working people lose their jobs and their security, and take their skills and talent to Australia. It’s about time we put manufacturing at the centre of our economy and started taking the need for jobs seriously.”

“A strong manufacturing sector, which provides well-paid, highly-skilled jobs to thousands of workers, is the bedrock of a strong economy. Now we have a party standing up to support manufacturers by recognising the importance of manufacturing, buying Kiwi made and taking a grown-up, long-term view on investment and growth.

“Labour’s policy will keep jobs in New Zealand,” says Louisa Jones. “Even more importantly, it will help manufacturers invest in those jobs.

“Despite promises of a ‘rockstar’ economy, there’s a widening skill gap in New Zealand and workers are going to miss out on the benefits unless we have a government which takes action.”

ENDS

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