Darien

FENTON

Labour Issues Spokesperson

28 August 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

Air NZ pushes for harsher employment laws

It is disappointing our national carrier Air New Zealand is pushing the Government to go even further with its labour law reforms, including adopting controversial strike breaker provisions, Labour’s Industrial Relations spokesperson Darien Fenton says.

“Air New Zealand is proposing the no strike, no rights, no-bargaining period be extended from three months to six months so workers will have no protection or rights during this period. They also want the Government to adopt the strike breaker provisions proposed in National MP Jami-Lee Ross’ members’ bill.”

“The airline’s position has been outlined in its submission to the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee. Other submissions demonstrate employers in this country view employment relationships as a cost to be minimised through the use of harsh employment laws.

“Workers are right to be worried,” Darien Fenton says.

“A large rally in Auckland today against the Government’s attack on workers’ rights, and another in Christchurch tomorrow, shows the level of growing concern.

“It’s a sad commentary on New Zealand when iconic companies like Air New Zealand and the Government still believe that the only way to grow their business is by reducing pay and conditions for workers.

“It is particularly disappointing when Air New Zealand has a high level of union membership who worked constructively with the airline over many years through its ups and downs.”

“Labour’s policies will create secure, quality work with decent wages, backed by an employment framework that protects the rights and interests of hard working Kiwis,” Darien Fenton says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media