Combine both packages and drop the 90 day bill says SFWU

The Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota believes the best present the National Party could give to those facing employment uncertainty is to drop their policy to give employers the right to sack new workers in small businesses without any reason during the first 90 days.

The Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota says this week's proposals suggested by both Labour and National have some positive aspects, but a combination of the two would be best for workers faced with an uncertain future due to the economic slowdown.

"For many of our members the increasing cost of living is a daily challenge. The threat of losing their jobs due to the current economic climate is a very real one, and we welcome initiatives like the job search allowance to help deal with the immediate impact of job losses." said John Ryall, SFWU National Secretary

"However, we want more than promises that people who lose their jobs will have some protection if and when that happens. "

"We want to see National scrap its policy to allow employees working for small firms to be fired within the first 90 days without the right of appeal."

"Thirty-one per cent of Kiwi workers work in small businesses - and it would be their rights that would be taken away at a time when workers are feeling uncertain about what's around the corner."

ENDS

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