Media Release
1 April 2009

Workers need say on ACC board

The government needs to act quickly to restore a workers’ perspective to the ACC board, says newly elected Tertiary Education Union president Dr Tom Ryan.

“I’m very concerned that the ACC minister has not only removed the two worker representatives on the ACC board, but has also made no moves to replace them with anyone else who can speak for the health and safety issues that ordinary employees face.”

“ACC is a scheme for working people and traditionally they have not only helped pay for it but also have had a say in how it is run, including a seat on the board. The minister needs to take stock of what a board stacked only with people representing corporate and management interests could mean for ACC and then act quickly to restore some balance. He needs to consult with the CTU to get a spokesperson for workers back on that board.”

Dr Ryan said that the Tertiary Education Union is concerned that the ACC board should continue to be seen to promote the health and safety needs of ordinary New Zealanders, including addressing dangers in our modern workplaces, such as workplace stress.

ENDS

© Scoop Media