Category: Unions

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Kinleith mill closure shows need for industrial strategy

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to deliver an economic and industrial strategy for regional manufacturing, rather than just expressing sympathy for job losses, following the announced closure of Kinleith mill in Tokoroa.

“The closure Kinleith mill in Tokoroa is not just devastating for the 230 workers and their families, it is another major blow to regional manufacturing in Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Wagstaff.

“Over the last several months we have seen significant job losses in the regional manufacturing sector, with worksites closing around the country.

“The Government’s failure to step in and protect these communities demonstrates their lack of concern for regional New Zealand and the care for workers and their whānau.

“This is not about crudely subsidising and giving handouts to particular companies, it’s about putting forward an economic and industrial strategy that supports industries and regions to protect and generate good jobs and create full employment for working people.

“What’s needed is a government that is willing to show leadership on economic development by working with industry and unions to deliver good work and high living standards for all.

“Workers also deserve active support when they lose their jobs, not just sympathy. That’s why for years we have been calling on successive governments to adopt a social insurance scheme that would protect workers through redundancy.

“We haven’t seen ministers lift a finger for any of the workers who lost their jobs in this sector, and yet they will support landlords and higher income earners with billions of dollars’ worth of tax cuts.

“Unless the Government responds to the pain that regional communities are experiencing with active industrial policy, we are going to continue to see the loss of more and more manufacturing jobs in this country,” said Wagstaff.

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Uniformed Defence Force should not be used as strike breakers

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is criticising the Defence Minister Judith Collins for deploying the military as strike breakers against their own people.

“In a modern liberal democracy, any deployment of the armed forces in employment relations is a drastic step, and should be avoided at all costs,” said Wagstaff.

“The first thing a responsible employer and Minister should do is make a reasonable offer in good faith to settle the collective agreement. That has not occurred and right now seems to be the last thing they want to do.

“To so easily bring out the military against their own people – the civilian defence force – is reckless and will do nothing to build organisational cohesion and commitment.

“NZDF civilian staff represented by their union, the PSA, don’t expect to come under attack just because they want to settle their collective agreement and have taken lawful industrial action in support of their modest claims.

“But NZDF don’t appear to want to settle, if they did, they would make a reasonable offer – not the current offer of 0% which is not reasonable.

“It’s alarming that the Minster opted to take this course of action, instead of urging the NZDF to turn up at the bargaining table with real intent to settle.

“This Government is at war with an imaginary enemy they call the ‘back office’, when they should understand that any capable military force, like other industries, depends on the support of hard-working civilians who provide the foundation for operational success.

“The real enemy of the defence force and public services in general is not the back office, it’s under investment, low morale and poor leadership from this Government.

“The Minister should be supporting those who job it is to support the military, by pressing NZDF into getting an agreement with the PSA,” said Wagstaff.

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Government must vote down ACT Members Bill that would undermine workers’ rights

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to vote down an ACT Party Members Bill that would undermine workers’ rights by making it easier for employers to fire workers.

Last week ACT MP Laura Trask’s Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Agreement) Amendment Bill was drawn from the ballot.

“This Bill would be a major backwards step. It is an attack on the rights of working people and makes it less likely that workers will be treated with fairness and respect in their relationships with employers,” said Wagstaff.

“Brooke van Velden has said that she supports the Bill ‘in her capacity as a fellow ACT MP’. What we want to know, is what her official position as a government minister?

“What this Bill does is make it easier for employers to exploit power imbalances in the workplace and constructively dismiss workers, while making it harder for workers to hold employers responsible. Constructive dismissal is an objectionable practice.

“This approach would only make it easier for employers to lean on workers and push them out.

“There is already a process for employers to engage in mediation with staff. This Bill is not needed to ensure that without prejudice conversations can occur. These occur frequently and play a part in resolving practically all employment issues.

“All workers have the right to good work and should be able to expect to be treated with fairness in the workplace.

“This change would appeal to the worst employers who don’t have any respect for proper process or the rights of employees. We are calling on the Government to clarify their position and vote down this unnecessary and unjust Bill,” said Wagstaff.

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New report exposes a care sector in crisis – E tū

Source: Etu Union

E tū, the union for care and support workers, is releasing a new report into the state of the care and support industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Transforming Care report lays out the many problems in the industry, including in residential aged care, home support, disability support, and mental health and addiction support.

The report tells the story of workers with their own voices, including a series of in-depth personal interviews with E tū members, the results of a survey of care and support workers, and support from various stakeholders across the community.

The report was compiled with the help of Dame Judy McGregor, who as first Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, released the 2012 Caring Counts report, a result of the inquiry into the equal employment opportunity issues in the aged care workforce. Caring Counts was a significant part of the evidence base that lead to the historic equal pay settlement in 2017.

The report will be presented to a government representative by care and support workers, as well as their community supporters.

E tū Assistant National Secretary, Annie Newman, says we have a real crisis in care and support, which needs urgent attention.

“Our report, and our wider Transforming Care campaign, has a focus on three core pillars – the value of care, the standard of care, and the funding of care.

“Workers need to be properly valued, especially through their pay, for their essential work. They need decent conditions to work in, with decent training and the right number of staff to do the work safely. The funding model needs a total overhaul so the interests of carers, those they care for, and their communities are taken into account.

“We know that we can only solve these problems with the input of our whole community, and we are thrilled to have the support of individuals and organisations that share our concerns and are eager to work together for real transformation.”

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International eyes on Cook Strait Ferry fiasco

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Ferry Taskforce is backing the call for the new Interislander ferries to be publicly-owned and rail-enabled.

ITF Ferry Taskforce Chair Ronny Øksnes is in New Zealand to attend the Maritime Union of New Zealand national conference in Wellington.

Mr Øksnes says any decision to privatise the service or take rail from the Cook Strait would endanger Aotearoa’s economic and climate future. 

“We have seen the impact of privatisation of this kind of lifeline service elsewhere in the world and it has inevitably come at great cost to freight customers and to the public.

“Just as significant is the threat that this would pose to rail in Aotearoa New Zealand. Rail produces 70% fewer emissions than road freight and losing that would make it harder to meet international climate obligations.

“There’s also the added cost and risk to any export company that uses rail as part of its domestic supply chain, as the total carbon content of imported goods is becoming more and more important to international consumers.

“The rest of the world is taking carbon out of their supply chains, so putting more in would be a backward step for Aotearoa New Zealand’s exporters.

ITF Maritime Policy Adviser Sadie Saunders, also in New Zealand this week, says “We understand the New Zealand government is concerned about cost, however transport infrastructure is a long term investment that ensures good jobs and efficient supply chains. These are projects that should be measured across decades and in the context of the whole economy.

“This is why we are supporting our Aotearoa New Zealand affiliate members’ calls for new ferries to be publicly owned and rail enabled.”

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. It represents, and is democratically guided by, 16.5 million transport workers internationally.

 

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Sistema proposes sacking over 100 workers – E tū

Source: Etu Union

Workers at Sistema’s Auckland plant are gutted to learn the company intends to cut their 407-strong workforce to 305, meaning 102 people will lose their jobs.

The plastics manufacturer, which produces popular plastic storage products for both domestic and international markets, says the proposal is the result of declining sales and increasing costs.

Ma Roberts, a Sistema worker and E tū Industry Convenor for Manufacturing and Food, says the news is hard to take.

“We’ve known about this possibility for a while, but for many it still seems like a real surprise,” Ma says.

“Work has been slowing down since last year, and we know the production costs have risen for the company. But people rely on this work to get by, and for many workers this job is the best opportunity they have.”

Ma says the workforce is experiencing a sense of dread about the future.

“Many workers have English as a second language and are worried they could have trouble finding new work. We have older workers too, who could struggle. There is a lot of fear around what is to come.

“It is especially hard this close to Christmas, which is a stressful and expensive time for many people. Employees have seen that work has been quiet for a long time now, so it’s a disappointment that this is being brought up right before Christmas when families are under pressure.

“The company has offered voluntary redundancy which is good, but we will need a fair and transparent process to figure out who gets to keep their job, and those who don’t will need as much support from the company as possible.”

E tū Director Georgie Dansey says she understands the position the company is in, but stresses that the company can do a lot to help support the workers who will lose their jobs.

“As we begin consultation around this proposal, the immediate and longer-term interests of affected workers must be front and centre,” Georgie says.

“There are promising early signs that E tū can work with the company to support the workers. For example, they are offering a paid four-week notice period without a requirement to work, and an extra four weeks’ pay after that. This will certainly help people who have lost their jobs to get back on their feet.

“However, we know there is a lot more companies can do in this situation. We’d like to see support for training and skills development, for example help with developing numeracy and literacy to give workers a better shot in the job market.

“This is what a Just Transition is all about – ensuring the effects of industry pressures do not fall unfairly on the shoulders of the people doing the work.”

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Unemployment rising shows the need for a plan

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

New labour market data released by Statistics New Zealand today shows a weak labour market and the need for a plan to deliver positive change, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.

“Unemployment rose to 4.8% – which is the highest rate it has been since COVID-19.  There are 29,000 more people unemployed since this government took office. Yet there is no plan to help workers – that needs to change,” said Renney.

“It’s clear that some communities are increasingly being left behind. Unemployment for young people is now a real concern, with 20% of 15–19-year-olds unemployed and 8.4% of all 20–24-year-olds unemployed. Māori unemployment is 9.2% and Pacific Peoples unemployment is 9.9%. Unemployment in in Auckland is now 5.2%.

“Wages are also reflecting the softer labour market, with 37% of all workers seeing no pay rise, and 50% of workers seeing an annual pay rise less than the 3.8% increase in household costs reported yesterday. With the minimum wage rising by less than inflation this year, its low-income workers who are bearing the brunt of this Government’s policies.

“This was the first time in 37 quarters that the number of people employed in New Zealand fell. A million fewer hours were worked this year. 367,000 people want more work but can’t currently get it. The numbers unemployed for more than 6 months is at its highest level since 1992.

“The headline rate of unemployment didn’t hit 5%, but the underlying data shows that the labour market is as weak as people fear. There have been significant layoffs at sites across New Zealand which won’t have registered yet in this data.

“The Government’s only plan appears to be welfare sanctions which will only increase hardship for unemployed workers. Workers deserve to know what this government is going to do ensure everyone has access to good, sustainable work,” said Renney.

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Government science cuts take New Zealand even further backward

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is deeply concerned about the future of investment in science, following the latest announcement of another 60 jobs cuts at Environmental Science and Research (ESR). The Government has now axed more than 500 jobs in the public science sector.

“The Government doesn’t seem to believe in the value of science and isn’t interested in making the investment required. Instead, it is taking us backwards and slashing funding in favour of tax cuts for landlords and tobacco companies,” said Wagstaff.
 
“We should be increasing investment in science and properly funding Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and universities. New Zealand is only spending about half the OECD average on science and research and development (R&D) already.
 
“It’s well known that countries that invest a higher proportion of GDP directly in R&D (both private and public) see greater returns economically, socially and environmentally.
 
“The decision to make these cuts has been made even though the report of the Science System Advisory Group report is due out shortly, which demonstrates the lack of commitment there is to listen to the evidence on the importance of science investment.
 
‘The Government talks about the need to tackle our poor productivity performance, and the need for a longer-term plan to arrest our decline, but their actions continue to take us in the opposite direction.
 
“It’s time we had a serious conversation about science, and we urgently need a government that is prepared to have that conversation and not just bury it’s head in the sand,” said Wagstaff.
 
Note:
The CTU and several affiliated unions are member organisations of the Save Science Coalition. The Save Science Coalition released a report in July this year about the cuts to science funding and staffing so far, which can be found here. The group is now working on an update to this report, to account for the ongoing cuts we are seeing at GNS, ESR and elsewhere. The report will contain more detailed numbers and information and is expected to be released before the end of the year.

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Lasting and integrated solutions needed to improve school attendance – PPTA

Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

Commenting on the release of an Education Review Office report into the issues, he agreed with the agency that the current model for managing school attendance was not designed to succeed.

“The issues causing the increase in chronic non-attendance over the last 10 years are complex and varied. If we want to see a long-term reduction in these rates, schools and school attendance services need more staffing, more time and more resources.

“Schools and attendance services are stretched to the limit. They don’t have the time and resources that these issues need. Young people who are chronic non-attenders, and their whānau, need a lot of ongoing time, attention and support that currently just is not there.”

Chris Abercrombie said the report made it clear there was no quick fix, evidenced by the fact that the attendance of many students who return to school after chronic non-attendance, starts to slip again after about two months. “When these students return to school, it is a challenge to reintegrate them – schools need more support for this.

“We need lasting, meaningful and integrated solutions – both at the community level, with other agencies and supports, and at the school level with appropriate funding and resourcing for gateway, alternative education and activity centres, pastoral care and learning support.

“Alternative education has been chronically under-resourced for years, a point which has been made previously by ERO.

“It’s deeply disappointing that the Govenrment has chosen to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into a vanity project such as charter schools, when  issues such as chronic non-attendance are crying out for adequate funding.”

PPTA also had serious concerns about the report’s recommendations for more parental prosecutions. “All this will do is put people who are struggling financially further into debt, and / or give them a criminal record.”.

Governments needed to be bold and brave enough to address the underlying causes of chronic non-attendance. These included poverty, housing insecurity, and mental health.

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Treaty Principles Bill – statement of opposition

Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

Te Huarahi Māori Motuhake (THMM), the national Māori governing body of the Post Primary Teachers’ Association, PPTA Te Wehengarua, are united in our opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill. We share the view that the Bill is based upon ‘a disingenuous historical narrative that distorts the language of Te Tiriti and undermines social progress and cohesion.

The principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi provide a mechanism to address Treaty breaches and improve relations between the Crown and iwi and hapū and should not be used to alter the intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  Tampering with these principles is a regression of the last 50 years of positive movement forward for Te Tiriti relations. Tangata whenua, educationalists and tangata Tiriti have worked hard over many years to understand and enact practices that give life to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and we want to ensure this hard work is not wasted.

The cultural development to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in public education is threatened through this Bill. This is an attempt to rewrite history and change the intent of our tīpuna. It will also absolve the Crown’s obligation to work with and actively protect the rights and interests of Māori, particularly the educational needs of ākonga Māori and mātauranga Māori. We oppose any actions that deliberately undermine the status of tangata whenua and relinquish the Crown’s obligation to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Te Huarahi Māori Motuhake leads cultural knowledge, expertise, and insight essential for crafting policies and practices to ensure the Association’s constitutional objective, ‘affirm and advance Te Tiriti o Waitangi’, is upheld and culturally led at PPTA Te Wehengarua. Te Huarahi Māori Motuhake are adamant in our opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill and are committed to affirm and advance Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will work tirelessly to ensure the promises within Te Tiriti o Waitangi are upheld.