Damage Control Won't Help Workers Or Business
Labour Minister Margaret Wilson resorted to spin doctoring in response to my leaking of planned changes to the
Employment Relations Act this morning, ACT New Zealand Business Development Spokesman Deborah Coddington said this
afternoon.
"What the Minister failed to include in her media release was most telling," Miss Coddington said.
"Ms Wilson accuses me of 'fear mongering' - and says there will be 'no return to compulsory unionism or the national
awards system'.
"But Ms Wilson doesn't deny that Cabinet signed off on changes to the ERA on August 11, or that these changes include:
1. Non members forced to pay union dues if firms and unions agree to deduct dues from members (in essence, compulsory
unionism).
2. Multi-employer awards less easy to avoid (in essence, national awards).
3. Redefining unjustified dismissal to mean unfair in the circumstances.
4. 30 day rule.
5. Protection of terms and conditions.
"Ms Wilson is in damage control mode, but by failing to address any of the facts in my article, or my speech, the
Minister has simply provided public confirmation that my sources are accurate.
"These plans are anti-business and anti-worker. Each of these changes takes us one step farther from a deregulated
labour market.
"For small businesses, these changes will be the last straw.
"New Zealanders are tired of this sleazy Government cosying up to union officials," Miss Coddington said.