30 September 2009
Media Statement

Parliamentary staff action shows why Redundancy Protection Bill needed

Labour’s Associate labour spokesperson Darien Fenton says the industrial action being taken tomorrow by parliamentary staff highlights the serious need for minimum redundancy protection in law, as proposed by her members’ bill.

“Parliamentary staff are opposing a push by Parliamentary Services to make it easier and cheaper to lay them off by cutting their redundancy entitlements,” Darien Fenton said.

“While many workers have no redundancy protection at all, those who do often face attempts by employers to reduce their entitlements to notice and compensation.

“I completely support any worker who opposes such an action by their employer. In these hard times, no worker should have to face the loss of their job with little to tide them over while they find other work,”

Darien Fenton says her Redundancy Protection Bill would ensure that every Kiwi worker would be guaranteed a minimum notice and compensation should they lose their job.

“Redundancy is a traumatic time for any worker and no-one should have to face such insecurity,” says Ms Fenton.

“Kiwis are already feeling insecure about their jobs. Redundancy notice and pay should not be a bargaining issue that can be used as leverage in negotiations.

“It’s bad enough these and state sector workers are facing pay freezes, let alone having their employers taking advantage of the current economic conditions by trying to take away what little security they have,” Ms Fenton said.

Darien Fenton has launched a broad based campaign to build support for her Members’ Bill at www.hardtimes.org.nz .

ENDS

© Scoop Media