The Maritime Union of New Zealand, a trade union representing waterfront workers, seafarers and related workers, has announced its support for the government’s proposed income insurance scheme.
Craig Harrison, the union’s national secretary, said the scheme will support workers when they need help the most, and will deliver security to families and communities across New Zealand, especially in the maritime industry, which is an essential industry with members working in high-risk areas.
“This is a volatile industry and social insurance will provide welcome support to workers who, through no fault of their own, lose jobs.” Harrison said. “Many essential workers are underpaid and have poor conditions of work and are extremely vulnerable to redundancy.”
According to Harrison, the scheme will be a good stepping stone to creating greater security for workers, which must include those in low-wage, precarious and casualised jobs. He also called for further reform to protect vulnerable workers in the maritime and other essential industries from exploitation and insecurity.
The proposed insurance scheme will pay up to 80% of a worker’s wages for up to seven months if they are laid off, made redundant, or affected by a health condition or disability that prevents them from working. The consultation period for the proposal will run until April 26.
