Protesters gathered outside National MP Nicky
Wagner’s office last Friday, February 27, to show their
opposition to the government’s introduction of the
Employment Relations Amendment Act 2008, which comes in to
force on the first of March.
The law allows employers with
fewer than 20 employees to sign up new workers on ninety day
“trail periods”. During that time, the worker can be
fired at any time, without the employer giving any reason,
and without the employees having the right to take a
personal grievance claim for unfair dismissal.
The
government says this will encourage businesses to hire more
staff. Critics say taking away workers’ rights and making
it easier to fire people is no way to fight
unemployment.
The mid-day protest, which attracted 25
people, was called by the newly formed Christchurch group
the Workers Rights Campaign. The groups says they will
“name and shame” any employer attempting to use the
law.
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