Scott Simpson - Workplace Relations and Safety

19 September 2018

More people have gone on strike in 2018 than at any time since 1989 thanks to the Government over-egging expectations for wages and emboldening unions, National’s Workplace Relations and Safety spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

“So far this year almost 70,000 people have stopped work, including two of the biggest state sector workforces, bus drivers, factory workers, medical advisers, and shop workers. Just today, Justice Ministry staff including court security officers walked off the job and workers at BlueScope Pacific Steel went on strike.

“Jacinda Ardern’s administration is to blame for the spike in work stoppages. The unions sensed opportunity from a Labour-led Government intent on demolishing one of the pillars of our economy – labour law that allows for flexible workplaces capable of competing in a fast-changing global marketplace.

“At the same time the unions picked up the nod and wink from the Beehive that it is open to wage increases out of all proportion to the rate of inflation.

“Businesses large and small are deeply troubled by what’s looming. Business groups were completely ignored when the Employment Relations Amendment Bill was considered in select committee.

“Business alone won’t bear the brunt of the Government’s economic vandalism. It will slow job creation and give companies less room to increase wages. No wonder consumer confidence is at a six-year low, while business confidence is the lowest in 10 years.

“National has lodged Supplementary Order Papers (SOPs) that would keep 90-day trials for all businesses; allow firms to opt out of collective contracts and multi-employer collective agreements (MECAs); and ensure union officials have to get permission to enter a workplace.

“Unless NZ First supports National to dial back the worst excesses of the Bill, New Zealand will be dependent on behind-the-scenes horse trading between the two coalition parties.

“National supports higher wages but the way to increase them is through building a strong economy, allowing businesses to grow, create jobs and pay more. Instead this Government has hyped expectations and created a shambles that is hurting the economy.”

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