News gets worse for workers in small business

Tuesday, 8 July 2008, 4:13 pm
Press Release: Council of Trade Unions

CTU MEDIA RELEASE

08 July 2008

News gets worse for workers in small business

“After confirmation workers in small businesses will be able to be fired unfairly in the first 90 days, now a National MP has said that KiwiSaver employer contributions need ‘adjusting’ for small businesses,” CTU president Helen Kelly said today.

“Who is going to want to work for a small business in New Zealand, when under National a second class of worker is created with less rights and choices than others?”

“There is already a strong interest in KiwiSaver from workers, 700,000 of whom have made personal financial decisions based on information available on KiwiSaver. National needs to let workers know just what sort of ‘adjusting’ they are planning.”

“Australian employers have to contribute 9% to superannuation, and the phased-in 4% employer contribution here means New Zealand workers can start to catch up with their Australian colleagues."

“If National are going to scrap employer tax credits, they should tell workers sooner rather than later. It is important information for voters and democracy demands they come clean.”

“National voted against Kiwisaver and it is not surprising they now have policy to cut its benefits,” Helen Kelly said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Te Kauae Kaimahi

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.

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