Ethnic New Zealanders alarmed by National’s draconian ‘Fire at will’ law       

Labour’s Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson Chris Carter has been inundated with calls from ethnic New Zealanders alarmed by the draconian ‘Fire at will’ Employment Relations (Amendment) Act.

“This law, which was rammed through under urgency without any opportunity for consultation, will have a negative impact on the employment prospects and livelihoods of many of New Zealand’s most recent migrants,” Chris Carter said.

“New Zealand business relies upon migrants to fill critical skill shortages, and to help develop export markets. This new law will discourage many new migrants from seeking employment in New Zealand, and will disadvantage existing workers from seeking new employment opportunities due to fears of being unfairly laid off.

“We will see the prospect of some unscrupulous employers attempt to cut wages, increase hours, and remove the health and safety provisions that most New Zealanders take for granted, under the threat of being laid off,” he said.

“This is a particular concern for migrant workers and many ethnic New Zealanders who already experience difficulties standing up for the basic rights that all other New Zealander workers enjoy and expect. Many of our ethnic migrant workers already face disadvantages in understanding the New Zealand workplace culture, and often experience language and cultural barriers. They will be the first to suffer under this legislation.”

Chris Carter urges all new migrant and ethnic New Zealanders to contact their local MP or trade union if they experience unfair dismissal under this legislation.

Labour has promised to abolish this law at the first opportunity.

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