Roger Sowry
National Industrial Relations Spokesperson
10th October 2002
Work stoppages skyrocket as Govt law kicks in
The huge increase in industrial disputes over the last year shows the Employment Relations Act is kicking in, says
National's Industrial Relations Spokesman Roger Sowry.
"The work stoppage figures show that $7.9 million in wages and salaries were lost in the year to June 2002, compared to
$1.6 million for the previous year. It is workers as well as employers who suffer because of this level of disruption.
"The number of stoppages increased from 30 to 46, and the number of employees involved in these stoppages increased by
over six times.
"Labour's bungling of the teachers dispute also had a big impact, with the education industry contributing 57% of all
the employees involved in disputes.
"Labour were warned that removing flexibility from employment law would have this impact. These figures are sadly
predictable.
"Things are only going to get worse as Labour brings in more rigid employment law and the right to strike over social
and political issues," said Mr Sowry
Ends