February 19, 2007
Media Release

Business can afford higher wages - EPMU

Today’s release of a survey showing strong business confidence in Wellington is in line with other recent surveys and bodes well for workers seeking a fair share says the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.

The Sherwin Chan and Walshe survey follows a national NZIER survey in pointing to increased business confidence and a strengthening economy and is welcome news as the EPMU leads up to its 2007 Fair Share launch this week.

EPMU National Secretary Andrew Little says there are clear signs the economy is prospering and once again the EPMU will be making sure Kiwi workers get to share in that prosperity.

“Since we launched our FairShare campaign in 2005 we’ve seen record increases in New Zealanders’ wages but there is still a long way to go. We’ve pushed hard for our members over the last two years and the result has been a significant change in New Zealand’s wage path. This year will be no different.”

The 2005-06 FairShare campaign led to pay rises of 5% or more for three quarters of EPMU members and the recently released Labour Cost Index for 2006 showed New Zealand’s pay rates grew by a record 3.2% in the last year.

The launch of the FairShare ‘07 campaign will take place at a mass member rally at Taranaki’s TSB stadium, 12:30pm, Wednesday the 21st February.

ENDS

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