Who is correct on Labour’s automatic union membership promise?
Differing stories from Labour and the CTU on automatic union membership requires an explanation from Chris Hipkins today, National’s Campaign Chair Simeon Brown says.
“Yesterday, Chris Hipkins was asked for Labour’s policy on automatic union membership and could not answer the question.
“Just hours earlier though, the Council of Trade Unions posted to social media that Labour has promised to introduce ‘automatic opt-out union membership.’
“Who is correct? And why does the CTU know more about Labour’s policies than Chris Hipkins? Or is it that Hipkins is just choosing not to be upfront about its plans because he knows New Zealanders won’t like the idea?
“Automatic union membership would not only cost average workers hundreds of dollars per year but would funnel money directly to the unions who then make large donations to Labour.
“There is also a deep irony in Labour opposing every tax relief measure for workers National has implemented, while quietly signing up to a policy that would literally take more money out of workers’ pay. Not to mention the nine new taxes on the table between Labour and its mates.
“If the CTU is wrong, Labour should publicly call on them to correct the record today.
“The choice is clear - National, with a plan to back hardworking Kiwis by growing the economy, spending sensibly and getting debt down, with no new taxes. Or a Labour coalition that will add costs onto hardworking Kiwis, squander surpluses, hike debt and introduce nine new taxes.”
