CTU launches conversation towards a fairer economy
CTU launches conversation towards a fairer economy
The CTU launched a national debate on how to create an economy that works for everyone at their Biennial Conference today in Wellington. CTU Economist and Policy Director Bill Rosenberg hopes the publication of the paper on an alternative economic strategy will kick start a conversation across society about principles and initiatives which would enable the NZ economy to deliver the outcomes New Zealanders want.
“We accept that efficiency, productivity and return on investment are vital characteristics of a functioning and effective economy. But the principles have to be about people,” said Rosenberg. The principles outlined included fairness, participation, security, improving living standards, and sustainability.
Delegates at the conference discussed policy proposals aimed at closing the widening gap between rich and poor such as wages that give workers a fair share of the growth in the economy, and redefining wealth and value in a way to sustain the planet for future generations.
“We are seeking a coherent alternative to current policy principles and institutional structures which will improve the position of working people and New Zealand as a whole. We believe a new foundation must be built on three pillars: sustainable economic development, decent work and a good life, and voice, by which we mean real participation by people in decisions in the workplace, economy and community,” continued Rosenberg.
The numerous policy proposals in the document cover a range of issues including economic development, international economic relationships, taxation, the environment, productivity and employment.
CTU Secretary Peter Conway said that the proposals will be discussed over the next six months within the union movement and with a broad range of economists and commentators.
An executive
summary and the full document are attached. Both versions of
the document can also be downloaded from
http://union.org.nz/sites/union/files/CTU
Alternative Economic Strategy Executive summary.pdf and
http://union.org.nz/sites/union/files/CTU
Alternative Economic Strategy.pdf
ENDS