National tries to dodge the discussion on workers’ rights

New Zealanders deserve a proper conversation about National’s plans to keep undermining the real value of their wages and conditions at work.

“Today National has released a ‘workplace policy’ which will further widen the imbalance of power between workers and employers,” says Bill Newson, EPMU national secretary.

“They’ve deliberately released this policy, which affects all working Kiwis, on a day when everyone’s eyes are on other matters. It looks like they want to avoid a serious discussion about what the future of New Zealand workplaces should look like.

“National talks about a ‘more flexible workforce’ – but the flexibility is all one-way. Workers have no choice but to be ‘flexible’ when it’s even harder to get a wage increase and they don’t have the right to regular rest breaks. That’s the future for workers under National.

“The evidence shows National’s policies don’t create high-value jobs, don’t create opportunities for young people, and allow bad employers exploit vulnerable workers. You can’t drive a successful, high-value economy with low wages and insecure work.

“We’re disappointed National has tried to sneak this policy under the radar. New Zealanders want to know which political parties support fairness at work, and which don’t. National’s ‘workplace policy’ makes that very clear.

“We call on National to be upfront about their priorities and have a proper conversation about work, wages and jobs.”

ENDS

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