There has been pressure on the government to live up to its promises and introduce fair pay agreements.

At its annual conference yesterday, the Council of Trade Unions released a framework that it says would improve working conditions for employees in low-wage industries.

It comes months after a working group, chaired by Jim Bolger, recommended implementing something similar.

Meat Workers' Union organiser Darien Fenton told Kate Hawkesby the delay is frustrating.

“Nobody knows what the roadblock is. We just want to push on, get the work done and get fair pay for New Zealand workers.”

EMA's head of advocacy Alan McDonald says it's time they made a decision, but he doesn't want to see a return to 60s and 70s national wage runs.

“There shouldn't be a return to that style of industrial relations, there needs to be flexibility, cooperation and a focus on productivity, not just wages.

“A bus driver in Auckland, for example, can't be paid the same as one in Invercargill - because it'll put enormous pressure on businesses.”

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