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Member’s Bill to remove 90 days voted down

Member’s Bill to remove 90 day probationary period voted down.


The decision by National, Act and United Future to vote against the removal of the 90 day probationary period is disappointing but not unexpected, says Carmel Sepuloni.

Sepuloni’s Employment Relations (Probationary Period Repeal) Amendment Bill was defeated 64 votes to 57 on its first reading last night.

“The Labour Party has opposed the ‘fire at will’ legislation from the beginning,” says Sepuloni. “In times of economic uncertainty, job security is of the utmost importance. Our workers are our greatest asset as a country and they deserve more respect than the National Government is showing them.

“Employers have always had the right to fairly dismiss employees. National has now legislated for unfair dismissal too. Labour believes that all employees have the right to a fair go in the workplace. If they are dismissed, they have a right to know why.

“National’s ‘fire at will’ law was an attack on workers’ rights, on fairness, and on decency. And, much like this Government’s other employment initiatives; it simply hasn’t created any more jobs.

“Just today the quarterly Household Labour Force Survey was released and revealed a jump in unemployment, from 6% to 6.8%. The number of people unemployed is now 159,000 - up 19,000 over the past three months.

“How can the Government tout their 90 day law as a success when there are fewer jobs, greater unemployment and more people struggling to support their families?

“This Government’s ‘fire at will’ law should not be extended; it should be done away with entirely.”

ENDS


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