Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister of Labour
30 July 2008 Media Statement
What’s in National’s secret employment policy?
John Key has to front up with his real industrial relations policy after revelations he is refusing to release a secret
34-page document which details his party’s industrial relations plans, Labour Minister Trevor Mallard said today.
“Last week John Key released a one-page policy on industrial relations but thanks to the media we now know there are
another 33 pages under wraps in his office,” Trevor Mallard said.
“New Zealanders have every right to know how National plans to change their workplace in favour of employers.”
According to the skeleton policy released last week the party will:
• Review the Holidays Act especially the issue of relevant daily pay, a clear sign workers will get less money in their
pay packet if they are sick
• Introduce Fire-at-will, leaving new workers with no protection against unreasonable treatment, and
• Remove the current balance in the collective bargaining process in favour of the employer
“John Key needs to urgently release the industrial relations 34-page document, unedited, so New Zealanders know what
National’s plans really are for paid parental leave, the minimum wage, and time-and-a-half pay because all of these
policies have been opposed by his party,” Trevor Mallard said.
ENDS