Key Government launches fresh attack on workers' rights

Labour Leader Phil Goff has condemned the latest attack on workers' rights by John Key's Government.

"The move to extend National's 90 day 'fire at will' law to all companies is absolutely unnecessary and is an attack on workers when unemployment is already high," Phil Goff said.

"There's enough power in existing law for bosses to get rid of workers who are not up to it. This is not needed.

"If John Key's Government passes this fresh attack on workers into law it will be repealed by the next Labour Government.

"John Key's move to make it easier for bosses to fire workers will now mean every Kiwi heading into new employment has the threat of sacking hanging over them from day one, regardless of whether they are up to the job or not.

"In hard economic times people are already worried about the lack of job security. National's plan to extend its 'fire at will' legislation removes the right of workers to redress if they are unfairly dismissed in the first three months of their job.

"A person's job is their livelihood. It's critical for them to support themselves and their families. No one deserves to lose their job without good cause.

"National has failed to create jobs and now wants to make it easier to put more Kiwis on the scrap heap.

"That is wrong and Labour will oppose National's planned law change at every stage."

ENDS

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