Third year of rising work stoppages

The Government's foolish plan to give unions more power looks even worse in light of today's statistics showing a rising number work stoppages for the third year in a row, says National. Statistics out today show that there were 46 work stoppages last year, up from 42 in 2001, and 21 in 2000.

"The number of work stoppages is the highest since 1996. With New Zealand entering a phase of an economic slow-down, the last thing we need is more work stoppages," Mr Sowry said.

"Labour does not understand the detrimental affects work stoppages have on the economy and business in general.

"The best thing Margaret Wilson could do is dump her foolish plan to review the Employment Relations Act (ERA) which is aimed at giving unions more power.

"The prolonged strike at the Kinleith pulp and paper mill is a perfect example of the effect the ERA is having. The strike has negatively impacted on businesses in Tokoroa, and nationally, in the transport and export industries where businesses rely on the packaging materials produced by the mill," Mr Sowry said.

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