Court of Appeal decision on LSG SkyChefs welcomed by Kieran McAnulty

Labour List MP based in Wairarapa, Kieran McAnulty, welcomes the Court of Appeal’s decision yesterday to reject an appeal application by global in-flight caterer LSG SkyChefs, and is optimistic that passage of his Member’s Bill, the Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Bill, which is currently being considered by the Education and Workforce Committee, will mean such cases do not need to be brought in the future.

Last year, the Employment Court ruled that hundreds of workers working within LSG SkyChefs operations but employed by a labour hire company were in fact employees of LSG SkyChefs and entitled to be covered by the union collective agreement.

“Labour hire companies and temporary employment agencies have an important and legitimate place in the economy, where they can provide labour to businesses that need it for a designated period and often at short notice or as part of a seasonal cycle.

“However, there have been instances where temp workers are hired to do the same work for less money than the permanent workers on the collective agreement. This is bad for the permanent workers and the temp workers. It also encourages short-term and insecure work as a way for employers to cut costs. Workers should get a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

Mr McAnulty’s Bill, the Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Bill, will provide clarity for workers in situations like those covered by yesterday’s Court of Appeal decision.

“My Bill, which is currently before the Education and Workforce Committee, will ensure labour hire workers get what they are entitled to when covering the work being performed by other businesses or organisations.

[ENDS]

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