Hon Roger Sowry
National Labour and Industrial Relations Spokesman
14 April 2004

Common sense and safety win in Employment Court decision

Today's Employment Court decision allowing Air New Zealand to randomly drug test some employees is a victory for common sense at a time when unions are looking to flex their muscles, says National's Labour and Industrial Relations spokesman.

The court's ruling follows the mounting of a legal challenge by six unions representing Air New Zealand employees, seeking a permanent injunction to prevent random drug testing within the workplace.

"The union's opposition to drug testing is remarkable, given their strong support for more rigid OSH legislation and bigger penalties for employers," says Mr Sowry.

"The Government must now work to introduce legislation that clearly sets out guidelines for employers so they can test employees without the risk of drawn out and costly battles with unions.

"Unions must realise that safety will always be the public's main concern and that workers acting within the rules have nothing to fear," says Mr Sowry.

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