Government strikes another unfair blow to vulnerable families

Many New Zealand workers and their families are again under attack from the government as the Employment Relations Amendment Bill looks set to pass its second reading in Parliament today.

NZEI National Secretary Paul Goulter says when passed into law, it will have a big impact on the conditions and income of many workers.

“This will further increase in inequality. Far too many people are living on extremely low incomes and this legislation will only serve to further lower wages and conditions, especially for more vulnerable workers.

“Already too many New Zealand children are suffering because they come from homes where parents simply do not earn enough. Many parents have to work long hours - often in two or more jobs - just to get by.”

“Teachers see the impact of this in schools daily. Poverty and inequality are the biggest causes of children not succeeding in education and not getting the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

“There is a growing call for the government to reverse the inequity gap by introducing a living wage. But it seems instead, the government is going in the opposite direction. This legislation shifts the balance and weakens protection for workers. The inevitable result will be lower pay and conditions for many people.”

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