National's legislation makes NZ look Braindead

National's legislation to appease Warner Brothers is braindead and will send all workers in the film industry back to the days of the Employment Contracts Act, Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman said today.

The Green Party is opposing National's Employment Relations (Film Production Work) Amendment Bill. The legislation is being debated in Parliament under urgency after meetings between Prime Minister John Key and representatives of Warner Brothers regarding filming the Hobbit movie franchise in New Zealand.

"The Green Party is delighted that the Hobbit will be filmed in New Zealand," said Dr Norman.

"It is however unacceptable that the Key Government is introducing legislation that means all New Zealand workers in the film industry could soon be 'independent contractors'.

"This legislation has been thrown together in a matter of days to placate the executives of Warner Brothers.

"The Key Government has taken this action despite assurances from the NZ Council of Trade Unions that there would be no industrial action on the Hobbit movies.

"By attacking the CTU and not accepting its assurances John Key has effectively undermined New Zealand's negotiating position prior to his discussions with Warner Brothers," said Dr Norman.

"The actions taken by John Key have threatened New Zealand's economic and parliamentary sovereignty.

"For these reasons the Green Party will be opposing this legislation all the way."

Link to the Bill: http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Legislation/Bills/0/1/9/00DBHOH_BILL10 433_1-Employment-Relations-Film-Production-Work-Amendment.htm

ENDS

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