NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to vote down an ACT Party Members Bill that would undermine workers’ rights by making it easier for employers to fire workers.
Last week ACT MP Laura Trask’s Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Agreement) Amendment Bill was drawn from the ballot.
“This Bill would be a major backwards step. It is an attack on the rights of working people and makes it less likely that workers will be treated with fairness and respect in their relationships with employers,” said Wagstaff.
“Brooke van Velden has said that she supports the Bill ‘in her capacity as a fellow ACT MP’. What we want to know, is what her official position as a government minister?
“What this Bill does is make it easier for employers to exploit power imbalances in the workplace and constructively dismiss workers, while making it harder for workers to hold employers responsible. Constructive dismissal is an objectionable practice.
“This approach would only make it easier for employers to lean on workers and push them out.
“There is already a process for employers to engage in mediation with staff. This Bill is not needed to ensure that without prejudice conversations can occur. These occur frequently and play a part in resolving practically all employment issues.
“All workers have the right to good work and should be able to expect to be treated with fairness in the workplace.
“This change would appeal to the worst employers who don’t have any respect for proper process or the rights of employees. We are calling on the Government to clarify their position and vote down this unnecessary and unjust Bill,” said Wagstaff.