15 October 2015
Media Release
Health and safety laws must put people first
Working people will be safer at work under a Labour-led government, says Labour leader Andrew Little.
Members of E tū, the largest private sector union in New Zealand, applauded his comments made at the Council of Trade
Unions conference yesterday.
“Everyone deserves to come home safe at the end of their working day,” says Bill Newson, E tū national secretary.
“After the disaster at Pike River we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make strong laws which keep people healthy
and safe. Unfortunately, the government squandered that under pressure from a few irresponsible employers.
“But this isn’t the way it has to be, and we are proud to see political leaders stand up for a better way of doing
things.”
E tū represents working people in industries like mining, aviation, aged care and manufacturing, which all have unique
health and safety needs. We fight for strong health and safety laws for all working people.
ENDS