TPP promises stronger labor standards: New Zealand Trade Minister

The 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal will strengthen labor standards and work conditions across member states, New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay claimed Friday.

The TPP outcomes for labour matters were the most comprehensive New Zealand had ever achieved in a trade agreement and addressed issues such as child and forced labor, McClay said in a statement.

All 12 TPP countries were bound by the declarations that protect rights around collective bargaining, freedom of association, abolition of child labor, and elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

"Under TPP, all countries must also adopt and maintain laws governing acceptable work conditions, minimum wages, and occupational safety and health," said McClay.

"They must also discourage the import of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor and encourage corporate social responsibility on labor issues."

The TPP chapter on labor also established a Labour Council.

"This will be made up of several senior government representatives. The council will consider matters relating to TPP and review decisions made by TPP parties. It is also required to review the chapter on labor five years after the agreement enters into force," said McClay.

"This is an important chapter in TPP. It reinforces New Zealand labor laws and protects Kiwi workers. However, at the same time it promotes trade and the benefits this will bring to all New Zealanders, including new jobs," said McClay.

Campaigners against the controversial trade pact, which was signed in Auckland last month, claim it will undermine national sovereignty on regulatory matters, such as those regarding health and safety, the environment, and labor laws. Endit