Govt. all talk - but fails to agree on action on ERB

"The Government has again mismanaged its approach to the Employment Relations Bill - by talking up expectations that Cabinet would agree to changes but failing to deliver," Opposition Industrial Relations spokesperson Max Bradford said today.

"The Minister of Labour told New Zealanders this morning she was taking a paper to Cabinet that would look at changes to the legislation.

"But the talk has failed to produce any action. It is clear that Labour and Alliance Ministers could not get agreement on the changes.

"Employers and businesses were looking for some concrete proof the Government was more than just talk, but they've been let down - again.

"Cabinet had the chance today to fix up its mismanagement of the business community.

"But obviously Labour and the Alliance could not even agree to very basic changes outlined by Margaret Wilson earlier today.

"What is business to take from this? It is becoming increasingly obvious that this so-called commitment to listen to business is just a shabby attempt at public relations.

"Helen Clark suggests business are only worried about the Bill because of "untruths and exaggerations" about it. The reality is much different. Businesses are concerned about the detail of the Bill and there are at least 25 changes needed just to make it practical. From today's lack of action they shouldn't hold out any hope of getting much from the Government."

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