Ansett Capture of NZ PM - Chance to Show Good Faith

Friday, September 14 2001 Stephen Franks Press Releases -- Commerce

ACT New Zealand Commerce spokesman Stephen Franks has been considering how New Zealand can best help its Prime Minister detained in Australia by angry Ansett employees.

He is trying to get a message to her urging her to keep to "good faith bargaining" techniques. "We must show the Australians a good example of New Zealand law in operation. For help she should keep Prof. Margaret Wilson on the hotline.

"New Zealand must resist any temptation to call in the strike breakers. Margaret Wilson has made use of strike breakers illegal in New Zealand unless health or safety is threatened. The Prime Minister could try faking a life threatening tantrum then perhaps she could call in NZ's military might, now that Matt Robson doesn't need them in the prisons.

"Of course we have to hope its over before November when the strike capacity of the airforce goes, otherwise even our remaining Hercules might not be able to get through the picket line.

"We were thinking of taking up a collection but on testing the market with our West Coast focus group found they wanted the money promised to the Ansett Workers Union provided they stay staunch.

"We also want to let her know not to worry too much cause most people think Phil is doing a reasonable job in the circumstances even though he's a bit short of sleep filling in for everyone else," Stephen Franks said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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