25 July 2002

Don’t Sacrifice Social Justice Agenda CTU Asks Greens

“It would be a pity if the Green Party position on the GE issue denies it the opportunity to play a constructive role in the next Government,” Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

“The CTU has worked well with the Greens on crucial measures such as the repeal of the Employment Contracts Act , the restoration of ACC, as well as many others,” he said.

“The Greens have strong social justice policies and the CTU would be concerned if these are sacrificed for lack of an ounce of political pragmatism on the GE issue.”

Ross Wilson said that having heard both the Labour and the Green positions on GE at the CTU Forum only a few weeks ago, he felt confident that a degree of compromise by both parties could resolve the issue in a way which protects all interests.

“NZ First and United Future could not be relied upon to support the continuation of the successful Government policies of the past three years,” he said.

“Their voting record in Parliament speaks louder than their campaign promises.”

“As the largest democratic organisation in New Zealand, with almost 300,000 affiliated union members, the CTU doesn’t tell people what to vote,” he said.

“But we certainly provide them with information and advice on policies and voting options.”

Ross Wilson said the CTU would be happy to continue the work with a Labour-led Government supported by the other Centre Left parties.

“Labour, the Greens, PCP and the Alliance have all supported the CTU policy agenda.”

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