ACT New Zealand Whip Ken Shirley has written to Parliament’s Speaker Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt, expressing grave concern over union picketing of the Select Committee sitting in Christchurch today.

The Committee was hearing public submissions on the Employment Relations Bill.

“Members of Parliament have been subjected to boorish behaviour bordering on intimidation” said Ken Shirley.

“Most Select Committees are held within Parliaments’ precincts where security can be assured.

“While it is convenient and helpful for Select Committees to travel to main centres where large numbers of public submissions are lodged, loutish behaviour of this type perpetrated by organised labour cannot be condoned or tolerated.

“Members of Parliament are elected to act without fear or favour and it is totally inappropriate to picket and demonstrate in front of Select Committee hearings.

“It is obvious that organised unions are now flexing their muscles in anticipation of a political windfall and New Zealand society can soon expect a return to the disruptive standover tactics of union bosses” concluded Ken Shirley.

ENDS

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