30 October 2012

Vulnerable workers’ rights go under National

Workers will be the big losers with National’s decision to amend employment laws that protect many low paid and vulnerable New Zealanders, Green Party industrial relations spokesperson Denise Roche said today.

The National Government today announced they would make changes to Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act for small to medium sized businesses. Part 6A enables workers to continue in employment with the same pay and conditions if the contractor they are working for loses out to another contracting company.

“The decision to change this law following victories for workers in court cases is a disgrace,” said Ms Roche.

“This decision is straight from the Bill Birch era of industrial relations.

“National’s move will enable contractors to drive down the wages and conditions of many workers already struggling to make ends meet.

“Today’s decision by the Government will have the end result of making life a lot more unpleasant for those working hard in already low-paid jobs,” said Ms Roche.

ENDS

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