Rino
TIRIKATENE
Labour MP for Te Tai Tonga

18 October 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

Bill recognises kids’ right to a fair go

Young workers willing to take on part-time jobs are entitled to the rights and status of other employees says Labour MP Rino Tirikatene.

Rino Tirikatene is the sponsor of the Employment Relations (Protection of Young Workers) Amendment Bill, which was drawn from the Members’ Ballot today.

The Bill, initially drafted by Labour MP Darien Fenton in 2007, aims to recognise young Kiwis in the workforce as employees rather than contractors.

“There has been a long tradition in New Zealand of young people delivering newspapers and leaflets. This Bill aims to protect youth in these kinds of contractual arrangements.

“Our under 16 year olds should not be expected to operate as independent contractors. They shouldn’t have to manage their own tax, pay their own ACC or employ their own subcontractors.

“Labour values hard working Kiwis no matter what age they are. This Bill gives young workers the right to be treated fairly, as well as rights to personal grievance, to written agreements, and other employment entitlements.

“It is a basic measure to improve children’s overall working conditions and I look forward to commending it to the House,” Rino Tirikatene said.

labour.org.nz

ENDS

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