Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Young workers cast aside by Minister Bridges
Stand Up Media Release
29 August 2013
Young workers cast aside by Minister Bridges
With over 11 000 workers fired under the 90 days legislation, it is disappointing that the Minister of Labour hasn’t bothered to look at the impact on young people given one of the stated reasons for the law was to get young workers into the workforce, and that young people are often employed on 90 day contracts said Asher Goldman, Co-convenor, Stand Up, the youth network of the Council of Trade Unions.
"The Government boasted that the 90 day provision would help solve youth unemployment, but all it is doing is allowing bad employers to sack young workers without any process, and often without any reason.” said Asher Goldman.
“There are over 30,000 young people currently unemployed in New Zealand, and an additional 26,700 if you include 20-24 year olds. Laws like the 90 days, and youth rates have not helped create jobs for these young people, all they have done is remove their rights and allow them to be paid less. These laws are failing young people.”
"The 90 day fire-at-will law, in combination with the current employment law changes being driven through from this Government, will only succeed in convincing more and more young New Zealanders that their future lies overseas.”
"Young workers deserve employment laws that encourage and enable them to thrive in our workforce, not to be cast aside by an uncaring Minister," said Mr Goldman.
ENDS
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.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
