5 November, 2008

It's usually said of every general election, but this election is important.

The world is changing dramatically. The world financial crisis, which has been with us for months but only reached crisis in September, is affecting every developed country. Some say there is more to come - more company failures, more government money going in to prop up the banks and others who got us into mess. Dealing with it is going to need a different approach in every developed country.

For union members and many other working people, pressure will be intense on businesses to ride out the period of reduced worldwide slowing down by cutting back - either on wages or jobs. 

And even as the New Zealand dollar falls rapidly, which ordinarily would be good for exporters, so are prices for goods around the world.

This is a time for investment by the government and an active involvement in the economy. And it's a time to make sure that work rights are not seen as something that can just be traded off as if workplace conditions don't really matter. 

Our votes this year will decide what approach is taken to the world crisis.

This is why voting this year is so important. Every vote counts. Every vote is a voice on what should happen over the next few years. A voice on whether something will happen. On whether the right approach will be taken. Whether good decisions on supporting the economy, like encouraging savings and encouraging investment, will be taken. Whether work rights will be respected and strengthened. 

If ever there was a time to vote, this year is it. In the United States, they are seeing the greatest voter turn-out since 1960. Because like then, they demand a government that puts people and their dignity first when facing the world as it is today.

Make sure you vote this Saturday. 

Andrew Little
National Secretary
EPMU