Christmas message from the National Secretary

We end 2006 looking back at some great achievements for the year. We've kept up the pace on decent pay settlements. We've taken on some big disputes (electrical lines industry, TVNZ) and turned back employer attacks. We lead the major campaign that defeated the National Party's attempt to eradicate just about all employment rights in the first 90 days of a new job. Now, not only has the legislation been tossed out of Parliament but the MP who promoted it, Wayne Mapp, has been given another job as well. We worked with the NDU to make sure our members at Progressive withstood one of the most aggressive and unrelenting attacks on their employment rights - and those workers won. We've had great delegate forums and an excellent conference this year. And we end the year yet again battling Air NZ to keep decent jobs in the airline.
 
But we are left with challenges. We have taken a hit on membership numbers because of the loss of jobs in manufacturing, so member recruitment will be a high priority next year. Private equity firms, which everywhere they turn up pay huge sums of money to buy good businesses and then squeeze them for every cent by cutting jobs and carving up the business, are playing a growing role in New Zealand. Next year sees the start of the new superannuation scheme, Kiwisaver, and we want to make sure our members get the best out of this.
 
The work of a good union is never done. With the active support of so many EPMU members we continue to make a positive contribution to so many working families and to make a real difference. Your support has been crucial. And we'll do it all again next year!
 
Enjoy a peaceful, restful and safe Christmas season and New Year. May your God go with you,
 
Andrew Little
National Secretary.