Simon Power National Industrial Relations Spokesperson

17 October 2001

Strike figures show workers are suffering

Labour Department figures released today on work stoppages show the true impact the Employment Relations Act is having on workers, says National's Industrial Relations spokesperson, Simon Power.

"Rather than gaining under the ERA, the number of work stoppages demonstrate that workers are actually losing money. The number of strikes has increased consistently over the last three quarters. Workers have lost $206,000 worth of wages in the last quarter, have missed 1399 work days, while at the same time paying more for their groceries.

"This Government claims to be the Government of the workers. But what it is displaying is a complete lack of understanding of what New Zealand workers actually need to get ahead.

"And the situation will only get worse. Three strikes in the June quarter last year, a jump to nine in this June quarter. The September quarter figures are predicted to be even higher.

"The industrial unrest under this Government's regime is not good for workers, businesses and families trying to make ends meet," Mr Power said.

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