Christchurch protesters oppose ‘fire at will law’

By David Colyer

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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