September 17, 2008
Media Release

EPMU welcomes Greens’ work rights policy

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union welcomes the Green Party’s employment policy as a firm commitment to stronger work rights and higher wages.

The policy was released today and meets the EPMU Work Rights Checklist, which was endorsed by 16,500 New Zealand workers during the union’s nationwide Work Rights Wage Drive rallies last month.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the Greens’ policy represents a vision for stronger work rights and higher wages.

“The Green Party’s work rights policy clearly lays out their plan for a fair society and a high wage economy, and we commend them for that.

“We are particularly pleased to see support for industry bargaining, minimum redundancy entitlements and regular increases in the minimum wage.

“Compared to National’s vague and contradictory employment policy the Greens’ shows a clear and honest view of the importance of work rights to Kiwi workers and their families.

“We are currently preparing to survey all political parties using the measure thousands of EPMU members from across the country have endorsed and we hope that all parties will offer the clarity and the good sense the Greens have.”

The EPMU is New Zealand’s largest private sector union, representing 50,000 workers across eleven industries.

ENDS

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