Darien FENTON
Spokesperson for Labour Issues
8 June 2011

National’s continued changes to employment rights offer a bleak forecast of what workers could expect under a future National-Act led Government, says Labour’s spokesperson for Labour Issues Darien Fenton.

“National leader John Key confirmed today that further changes to employment law are on the way if National are re-elected, an alarming prospect for already embattled workers.

“Cuts to workplace health and safety representative training, the slashing of employment rights education and cuts to productivity schemes in the Department of Labour budget this year all indicate the National Government disparages the role of workers in the wider workplace, even where their own health and safety is involved.

“The National Government has given up on closing the wage gap with Australia, they brag about our low wages, and act as though unions and workers are a nuisance - that they have little role in the success of a business, and employment rights get in the way. This is nonsense.

“Productivity increases and health and safety improvements require the active involvement of workers. If the Government doesn’t get that, then we are doomed to be a long hours, low wage, low-skill economy.

“The good news is that working people will have a choice this election.

“National believes their contribution is worthless but Labour will increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour and reverse draconian employment law changes such as the 90 day trial period,” said Darien Fenton.

ENDS

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