Darien Fenton

Spokesperson for Labour Issues

28 June 2011

MEDIA STATEMENT

EMA Has Some Explaining To Do

The Employers and Manufacturers Association’s assertion that it is “following a sound and thorough process as a responsible employer must” is an interesting twist on the recent position they have taken on workers’ rights, says Darien Fenton, Labour’s spokesperson for Labour issues.

“It seems there is one rule for the bosses’ organisation and one for the rest of the workforce. The EMA and CEO Alasdair Thompson have consistently complained about the cost and process of personal grievances, yet this is exactly what the EMA appears to be going through now.

“The EMA was at the forefront of advocating for a 90 day no-rights period for all workers and arguing that substance over process is more important.

“Alasdair Thompson has described the law as a “grievance gravy train” but an ordinary worker on the job would have been fired by now. They would not have access to expensive lawyers and powerful advocates to defend them and the process of pursuing a personal grievance would have been unlikely to result in compensation of much more than $3000,” said Ms Fenton.

Darien Fenton said that Labour supports fair process and to that end, the EMA is following what the law requires.

“My hope is that when it comes to the rights of workers who are in a much less powerful situation than someone like Alasdair Thompson, the EMA will reconsider their position.”

ENDS

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