Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Defence ‘rebalancing’ is unfair dismissal
CTU Media Release
29 June 2011
Defence ‘rebalancing’ is unfair dismissal
Announcements today that the our Defence forces are going to make over 308 people apply on the open market for jobs they already hold is an outrageous abuse of power and would not happen if these workers were covered by the standard employment relations law, CTU president Helen Kelly said.
There have been special constitutional reasons why our defence forces are not covered by employment law but the unwritten agreement has been that this will not be abused in a way that disadvantages them in the gross way now occurring.
“It is clear the move from uniformed to non-uniformed personnel is being primarily driven to cut wages and conditions. It’s fine for the Defence Force to restructure, but to then make these workers apply for their own jobs on the open market is simply orchestrating what would be an unfair dismissal in any other normal business and these men and women deserve more respect than that,” Helen Kelly said.
Helen Kelly called on the Defence Minister and Prime Minister to step in and demand fair treatment of these workers and give them priority for all jobs that are continuing after the restructure. “I can quote many speeches where the PM has recognised the dedication of armed force personnel – now is his chance to insist they are entitled to the same rights as any other New Zealand worker.”
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
