wages

Salary and wage rates, including overtime, grew 1.7% in the year to December, well short of inflation at 4%.

The Council of Trade Unions says there is room for cautious optimism for wage levels although many people are still not receiving increases.

IHC workers took their pay dispute to the picket line in Dunedin yesterday.

The National Party has ruled out supporting a bill introduced to Parliament by ACT MP Sir Roger Douglas seeking to allow for the reintroduction of youth rates.

The Maritime Union is urging the Government to distance itself from a Bill introduced to Parliament by ACT MP Roger Douglas seeking to allow for the reintroduction of youth rates.