Redundancy payment law second victory for Members Bills

Progressive MP Matt Robson says that the passage today of the redundancy payments law sponsored by Labour MP Mark Peck is a double victory for the system of private member’s bills.

“At the beginning of November 2002, two bills were drawn from the ballot. Both have policies which will improve conditions for working people. One policy has already been written into law, and the second is being passed into law today.

“The first was my Four Weeks Annual Leave bill. Incorporated into the main Holidays Bill, that will deliver four weeks annual leave for everyone from 1 April 2007. And of course more and more employees are negotiating for and achieving four weeks as they re-negotiate employment agreements.

“The second provides better protection when a business goes under. Instead of the Business Roundtable view that workers should take the losses, this bill means that outstanding wages and holiday pay will be given priority for payment up to $15,000, more than double the previous figure. And redundancy payments will be included.

“The Progressives are looking to do good things for people. We’ve delivered through the member’s bill we put up and I am pleased to congratulate our Labour coalition partner on doing the same,” said Matt Robson.

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