The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on political parties to adopt their new policy to establish a Workplace Education Agency. The agency would provide support for unions to build their capacity and better engage with employers.
The proposal is the first in a series of NZCTU policies that political parties will be expected to adopt if they want the support of working people.
"We have an opportunity to build democratic workplaces and productive industries. We can transform how unions and employers work together," said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.
"We have done this before, and it worked. From 1986-1992 the Trade Union Education Authority coordinated and delivered trade union education and built union capacity to carry out their role more effectively.
"The agency would support unions with training and developing their organisational capabilities.
"Trade unions are fundamental for strong democratic workplaces, and productive economies. Respecting and valuing workers is good for the economy.
"If we want fair and productive workplaces, we must invest in dedicated support for union development.
"Government supports business as standard practice yet doesn't give any support to unions. That must change.
"Support for this proposal will tell us whether political parties are truly committed to workers," said Wagstaff.
Port of Auckland General Manager Phil Doak has said the company supports workplace education and training and partnering with unions to achieve better outcomes.
"Port of Auckland support building and developing its people and a great workforce. We believe that there is mutual benefit from safety, leadership and business acumen training. We've seen immense benefit in partnering with our unions through High Performance, High Engagement (HPHE) over the past few years and encourage the adoption of HPHE as a model for collaboration in other organisations," said Doak.
