EQC must challenge Fletcher’s profiteering
 
The Council of Trade Unions says Fletcher Building’s decision to cut painters and plasterers’ pay rates is an abuse of contracted labour and is calling on the EQC to bring the company into line.
 
CTU president Helen Kelly says the EQC needs to clarify the employment relationship between Fletcher and the people ultimately doing the work.
 
“Fletcher is abusing the contracted out employment relationship to profiteer at the expense of the people rebuilding Christchurch. What’s more, the company’s self-interest has led to layoffs and pay cuts that are already delaying repair work urgently needed by the people of Christchurch.
 
“These workers are selling their labour and they should be able to have a say in their pay and conditions of work. The comment from Fletcher that pay cuts will ‘encourage painters and plasterers to do more work’ shows this is simply about short-term profit.
 
“The EQC needs to step up and challenge Fletcher’s abuse of contracting out, and we’re encouraging painters and plasterers to organise so they can have a say in their pay and conditions of work.”
 
Helen Kelly says the CTU is offering to assist any painters and plasterers working on the Christchurch rebuild.
 
ENDS

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