Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Huge Risks in Scaled Back Canterbury Package
Huge Risks in Scaled Back Canterbury Package
The CTU believes that there are huge risks in the scaled down support for employers and workers impacted by the February earthquake.
If employers cannot receive the full earthquake support subsidy when there is a genuine need for it, then they may not cover full wages for the workers or may instead simply lay workers off. And the Earthquake Job Loss Cover is being scrapped it appears.
Peter Conway, CTU Secretary said “we can understand that the Government has already spent a lot of money on this support, but that is because the need is so great. Although some employers will now be clear on when they can be viable and to what extent, forcing employers into premature decisions will simply mean redundancies”.
Peter Conway said a lot will depend on how exceptions are applied.
Unions asked the Government to extend the existing package for another 6 weeks and only then consider other options.
The CTU requested that:
1. The subsidy packages continue beyond that 5 April 2011 for a further 6 weeks at which time they should again be reviewed.
2. The packages are extended to all affected workplaces and employees in the Christchurch City Council area.
3. The employer can apply also in cases where a workplace is open but where an employee cannot attend work for a genuine earthquake-related reason.
4. All workers made redundant or dismissed as a result of the earthquake are eligible for the employee grant.
5. The partial tax exemption currently in place on redundancy compensation is extended for a further 12 months.
6. There is special transitional support and advice for workers made redundant or dismissed when there are large groups involved.
7. As a matter of urgency, there is an analysis of future skill requirements for the rebuilding of Christchurch and mechanisms put in place for the retraining and/or up skilling of displaced employees.
Marty Braithwaite, CTU Earthquake Response Coordinator, says, “When much of the recovery process is so slow, reducing this support at such an early stage is a mistake”.
ENDS
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Te Kauae Kaimahi
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
