Hon Roger Sowry MP
National Party Industrial Relations Spokesman

24 February 2004

U-turn on industrial relations due too

National Party Industrial Relations spokesman Roger Sowry says the new Labour Minister should put an immediate stop to industrial relations laws that will cost New Zealand much needed economic growth.

"Paul Swain is now in a perfect position to put an end to Margaret Wilson's ideological pet project to reform industrial relations law.

"As his first priority Mr Swain should start listening to business, which fears the changes will erode growth rates and cost jobs.

"For too long their concerns have fallen on deaf ears, and it's time for someone who understands business to start listening.

"In a week when back-flips and U-turns are clear themes, National believes the Government should be taking action on the legislation that has the potential to do the most damage to our economy and international competitiveness.

"Helen Clark claims 'the upcoming budget will be one for New Zealand's battlers'. If that's so, - then her Government must take another look at the trench warfare it's launching against business," says Mr Sowry.

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