increase sick leave for workersincrease wages and continue to improve pay equitylegislate and implement fair pay agreementsstrengthen key employment legislationprotect vulnerable workers
Making sure working New Zealanders are safe, healthy and that their contribution to the economy is valued is at the
heart of Labour’s Workplace Relations Policy.
“This is Labour demonstrating its commitment to helping working New Zealanders by increasing sick leave, raising wages,
protecting them while they are at work, growing jobs and investing in the economy,” Workplace relations and Safety
spokesperson Andrew Little says.
“Workers play a key role in getting our economy moving. We cannot grow successful businesses without a strong and
thriving workforce. Labour’s economic plan is built around five key principles: investing in our people, growing jobs,
preparing for the future, supporting our small businesses, and positioning New Zealand globally. By investing in our
workers, we are supporting New Zealand families while continuing to boost businesses and our economy.
“Managing COVID-19 has shown, more than ever, how important it is for workers to be able to stay home if they are sick.
That’s why we are expanding sick leave entitlements from five days to ten days a year. This will mean people can stay at
home if they are unwell and will also provide support and flexibility for working parents.
“It’s time to leave behind New Zealand’s low wage culture. That’s why Labour will continue to lift the minimum wage, as
well as implement Fair Pay Agreements. A race to the bottom on wages comes at the cost of our most vulnerable workers
and undermines our productivity. Investing in our people needs to be a key part of our economic recovery from COVID-19.
“We want a productive and highly skilled workforce where everyone shares in the benefits of economic growth,” Andrew
Little said.
Other key provisions are:
Recognising security guards as vulnerable workers to ensure their terms and conditions are protected
Ensuring that Seafarer Welfare Centres provide better services
Raising the age for workers to be allowed to perform hazardous work, and ensure all workers have the right to elect
health and safety representatives
Strengthening the Employment Relations Act to make it harder for collective agreements to be undermined