Māori Party condemns Employment Relations Amendment Bill

The Māori Party condemns the Employment Relations Amendment Bill.

“We are utterly opposed to this bill which will reduce worker’s rights, endanger job security and decimate the good faith provisions of workplace bargaining,” says Māori Party MP Marama Fox.

The bill will allow employers to walk away from negotiating a collective agreement with workers as long as bosses can prove they have entered in to negotiations in good faith.

It will also allow employers to reduce worker’s pay in response to partial strikes and scrap meal and smoko breaks – this is a potential health and safety risk.

“We believe the proposed changes to collective bargaining are inconsistent with New Zealand’s obligation under international human rights. It will be low paid workers that will suffer the most, in particular women, Māori and other ethnic minorities,” says Ms Fox.

Workers most likely affected include those from the cleaning sector, caretakers, hospital orderlies and laundry workers.

The Māori Party opposed this first reading and second reading of this bill and will oppose the third reading of the bill.

“We have always spoken out in support of the right of workers to be treated fairly and with dignity. Our relationship agreement with the National Party, Te Tatau ki te Paerangi allows us to oppose Government-led legislation that is contrary to Māori Party policies.

On this occasion, we will be joining the opposition in voting against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill which weakens the rights of workers and impacts negatively on whānau,” says Ms Fox.

ENDS

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