Pacific workers

How do young workers remember their work rights? Some of the details can be tricky for new workers but every New Zealander should know their minimum entitlements by law, says the Council of Trade Unions Komiti Pasefika.

The CTU Komiti Pasefika said today that any easing of Easter trading restrictions would have a negative impact on the ability of Pacific families to take part in worship, family and community activities.

“Any discussion on building sustainable pacific economies must have a focus on the rights and development of workers in the Pacific,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee is to conduct an inquiry into New Zealand's relationships with South Pacific countries.

"There can be no Pacific Prosperity without prosperity for pacific workers," Council of Trade Unions Secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

The Council of Trade Unions and its representative body Komiti Pasefika have been active participants in the Pacific Prosperity conference in Auckland this week, bringing a voice for working pacific people to the conference. An NZCTU statement to the conference is below.

Speech by CTU president Ross Wilson to the Komiti Pasefika Biennial Fono, Wellington, 28th July 2005

Kia ora, Talofa lava, Kia orana, Malo e lelei. Welcome to the CTU Komiti Pasefika Biennial Fono. It is tremendously encouraging for me, as the CTU President, that this fono is so well attended. And this also reflects the very active programme of work over the past two years with some great achievements including the radio project, pasefika leaflets, the Western Springs Pacifica Festival and a very visible participation in CTU activities. I know that that is in large part due to the strong leadership which is provided by Efu and Meaole and Cheryl, and by other emerging leaders as well.

Trade unionists are broadcasting a series of programmes in four Pacific languages to help workers understand their workplace rights.The half-hour programmes will be scheduled in Samoan, Cook Island, Tongan and Tuvaluan. Most will run weekly on the Pacific radio network, Niu FM, over the next six months.

The project has been organised by the Council of Trade Unions.

This week, the first of the series will look at the links between unions and the Pacific communities, said the programme co-ordinator Tuifa'asisina Mea'ole Keil.

"This is an educational and innovative approach in raising awareness of Pacific workers' rights and the labour laws," he said.

Other topics include public sector unionism, health and safety, collective employment agreements, paid parental leave and the rights of young workers, shift workers and contract employees.

"These programmes will help to empower Pacific workers and get them involved in their unions," said Mea'ole Keil, who is the co-convenor of the CTU Komiti Pasefika. "Unions are an important part of our society and it's vital that the voices of Pacific workers are heard."

(Programme schedules are available.)

Problems such as low pay and discrimination faced by Pacific workers are on the agenda at the Council of Trade Unions' two-day Komiti Pasefika Biennial Fono, which starts in Auckland tomorrow.

Pacific workers can find information about employment issues and joining their union at the Council of Trade Union's Komiti Pasefika tent at Saturday's Pasefika Festival.The trade union tent will be erected in the Samoan village.

The CTU Komiti Pasefika will be aiming to increase Pacific workers understanding of employment issues and the importance of being part of a union.

"It is important for unions to be responsive and inclusive of Pacific perspectives. We need to build on the strengths of collectivism and bring together Pasefika peoples values and union values," said Komiti Pasefika's Cheryl Talamaivao.

No'ora Samuela, co-convenor of the CTU Komiti Pasefika said it was important for unions to be present at gatherings which represent the diverse communities for the Pacific.

"We must involve our members from our Pacific communities and raise awareness of a greater understanding of their employment issues."

"Komiti Pasefika is made up of Pacific workers from all unions and is the vehicle to address the issues of Pacific Peoples and recognise union and cultural values in the workplace," said Cheryl Talamaivao