20 October 2010

Greens join nationwide call for fairness at work

Green MPs will today join nationwide stop work actions to support fairness at work, the Green Party said today.

“Everyone deserves decent work, a living wage, and to be treated with respect and dignity in their workplaces,” Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman said.

“Unfortunately this is at risk from Government policies that shift the balance of power away from workers.

“It’s simply wrong to allow someone to be fired from their job without being told the reason, but this is exactly what the 90 day ‘fire at will’ rule allows. If John Key’s Government are successful this will soon be introduced in workplaces around the country.

“Other unfair policies include the totally unreasonable proposal that workers provide a doctors’ certificate after one day’s absence, and restricting workers from accessing union support and advice.

“Today’s union action sends a clear message that New Zealanders won’t tolerate any erosion of workers’ rights,” Dr Norman said.

“New Zealanders believe in fairness and today they are standing up to protect it.
“Decades of collective action have produced many positive outcomes for workers, like the eight-hour working day, equal pay for men and women, flexible working hours and paid parental leave.

“Today’s action is part of that proud tradition,” Dr Norman said.

Green MPs will show their support for fairness at work at rallies in Wellington and Auckland today.

Dr Norman will attend the Wellington rally at Parliament at 12.30 along with fellow Green MPs Catherine Delahunty, Kevin Hague, Gareth Hughes, Kennedy Graham and David Clendon.

Green MP Keith Locke will attend the Auckland event outside Telstra Clear in Manukau at 12.30.

ENDS

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