Across the board pay rises 'difficult'

An employers' group is warning unions to present their wage claims on a business-by-business basis.

It comes as many unions, including the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and health workers seek increased pay across the board.

Chief Executive of the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce, Peter Townsend, says not all companies are doing well in the booming economy and pay rates must be based on productivity, not a buoyant economy.

Mr Townsend says export manufacturers especially are feeling the pinch because of the high dollar.

- NEWSTALK ZB