30 October 2012

Vulnerable workers’ rights go under National

Workers will be the big losers with National’s decision to amend employment laws that protect many low paid and vulnerable New Zealanders, Green Party industrial relations spokesperson Denise Roche said today.

The National Government today announced they would make changes to Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act for small to medium sized businesses. Part 6A enables workers to continue in employment with the same pay and conditions if the contractor they are working for loses out to another contracting company.

“The decision to change this law following victories for workers in court cases is a disgrace,” said Ms Roche.

“This decision is straight from the Bill Birch era of industrial relations.

“National’s move will enable contractors to drive down the wages and conditions of many workers already struggling to make ends meet.

“Today’s decision by the Government will have the end result of making life a lot more unpleasant for those working hard in already low-paid jobs,” said Ms Roche.

ENDS

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Metservice: Where Will Snow Fall And What To Look Out For

The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Dan Corbett commented,"While snow will be a major issue for those in the South Island, wind and hail will affect many North Island districts."

Snow is expected to fall to sea level, or very near it, from Southland to South Canterbury from late Wednesday into Thursday and Friday. The snow level is expected to rise to 200m from about Christchurch northwards... More>>