Wood processors meet govt on jobs crisis
Union representatives said while the talks had been constructive there were still "serious differences" on solutions.
Unions representing wood processing workers met Forestry Minister David Carter today and said that while the talks had been constructive there were still "serious differences" on solutions for the jobs crisis.
Industry representatives were with representatives of the National Distribution Union (NDU) and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) at the meeting.
"At a time when this industry is suffering a downturn the government has an important role to play in maintaining the sector's capacity, including the preservation of a skilled workforce and the continuation of training opportunities for young workers entering the workforce," EPMU national industrial officer Paul Tolich said.
The industry had lost 1500 jobs since 2008 and the government's hands off approach was not helping the workers, he said.
NDU general secretary Robert Reid said Mr Carter had agreed to investigate whether maximum use of New Zealand lumber was being made for Christchurch reconstruction work.
"However, Mr Carter indicated the government was not prepared under any circumstances to look at issues regarding the exchange rate, or trying to bring down the local price for logs," Mr Reid said.
"Governments committed to the dogma of the free market sadly give away many of their options to resolve or address issues such as those facing wood processing."
NZPA
Tue, 25 Jan 2011
Tue, 25 Jan 2011
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Wood processors meet govt on jobs crisis
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