New Zealanders' deference to authority is exploited by the powerful to prevent workers gaining decent pay and conditions, trade union head Helen Kelly told an audience in Dunedin last night.
The Council of Trade Unions president was introduced by former Labour MP Marian Hobbs, who said she would not be surprised if Ms Kelly was prime minister one day.
Held at the King's and Queen's Performing Arts Centre, it was attended by about 150 people. Ms Kelly said New Zealand work rights were a ''disaster'', and those challenging the status quo were effectively silenced. New Zealanders had a ''problem'' with deference and an unwillingness to engage in conflict.
Aided by an ''antagonistic media'', people's thinking had been warped into believing businesses were charities and workers should be grateful.
This meant that New Zealand did not have a proper wage bargaining or health and safety regime, but a ''pretend'' system that gave little protection.
Workers' share of national income had fallen to one of the lowest in the OECD. In forestry, workers' share of income had fallen from about 70% in the 1970s to about 30% now. She outlined the ''horror conditions'' faced by forestry workers, who were at risk of serious injury or death from unsafe conditions, while the industry enjoyed record profits.
The annual lecture celebrates the achievements of Dame Dorothy Fraser, a Dunedin Labour Party identity. The inaugural lecture last year was given by former prime minister Helen Clark.
Dame Dorothy thanked the speakers, and said she was grateful for the opportunities she had had to serve the community.
