ACT Leader Hon Richard Prebble said today that Associate Labour Minister Laila Harre should be sacked for her role in
the waterfront dispute.
“The mediator’s report now states that on all four issues the New Zealand Waterside Workers Union has picketed South
Island ports for, it is either incorrect or partially inaccurate in its claims.
“Mainland Ltd is not undermining conditions, and its technology is adding value to NZ exports.
“The police have had to spend over half a million dollars of taxpayers’ money providing protection to Mainland
employees. The NZWWU was clearly encouraged to continue with its pickets because of Government support. Someone should
be accountable for this huge waste of taxpayers’ money. Laila Harre has wasted 100 times more money than Phillida
Bunkle’s accommodation claim.
“Sacking her would be a powerful statement by the Government that it is upholding the rule of law and protecting the
right of New Zealanders to belong to the union of their choice,” Hon Richard Prebble said.
ENDS