18 June 2013

Minister of Labour ducking ILO responsibilities

The Public Service Association says the Minister of Labour is being irresponsible by refusing to meet with ILO officials over whether the government’s proposed labour law changes are in breach of international labour conventions.

Simon Bridges is in Geneva for the ILO conference where he has said that employment relations and workplace health and safety will be key areas of discussion for him.

His visit comes as the government pushes ahead with the Employment Relations Amendment Bill which among other things, seriously undermines the collective bargaining rights of workers and will lead to lower pay and conditions.

“We know that the legislation runs completely counter to ILO guidelines which say that sound collective bargaining practices allow both sides to negotiate fair employment relationships, promote better wages and prevent costly labour disputes,” says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

“Mr Bridges should be using the opportunity in Geneva to discuss whether the government’s employment relations reforms fully meet New Zealand’s ILO commitments.”

“It’s clear that the government knows its legislation is unfair and tips the balance too much in favour of employers, but that’s not a message Mr Bridges will want to bring home, so he is steering away from any ILO advice which might confirm that.”

“It’s not a very responsible approach for the Minister to be taking,” Richard Wagstaff says.

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