BSC Distances Itself From Controversial Website

Media Release – for Immediate Release

10 September 2012

BSC Distances Itself From Controversial Website

Building Services Contractors New Zealand is distancing itself from a website and campaign launched by a non-member cleaning company that pokes fun at Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson.

The ‘Vulnerable Minister’ website has been launched by Crest Commercial Cleaning Ltd in an effort to persuade Minister Wilkinson to revise Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act 2000. Part 6A relates to continuity of employment if employees’ work is affected by restructuring, and has been the subject of ongoing discussions with the sector

BSC president Patrick Lee-Lo says that while BSC – which represents New Zealand’s building services contractors – was keen for Part 6A to be revised, it in no way supported ridiculing the Minister.

“BSC is talking to the Government about this issue and we will continue to lobby strongly for action. This is certainly the biggest single issue facing our members. This part of the Act is simply unworkable in its present form because it can expose incoming contractors to a range of liabilities they and their clients are not prepared for.

“It needs to be amended but we believe the way forward is to maintain our constructive relationship with the Minister and her officials, rather than to go down the path that Crest has chosen. It is important to note that their actions are not supported by our association and its members, and they do not reflect the views of the broader industry.”

Mr Lee-Lo said BSC members “do their best to work within the framework of the legislation” while lobbying to have Part 6A revised to make it more workable”.

ENDS

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