PSA Media Release

Union welcomes Maori Party Leader's change of heart

The Public Service Association is today welcoming the announcement by Maori Party Leader Pita Sharples that he will oppose Wayne Mapp’s 90 day probationary period Bill.

“Union members throughout New Zealand have been sending postcards to Mr Sharples and other members of Parliament urging them to vote against the Bill. We are pleased with this early success,” said Brenda Pilott, National Secretary of the Public Service Association.

The Bill would mean that all employees starting new jobs would be on a probationary period of employment for the first 90 days where their employer could dismiss them for no reason.

“We are now calling on the other Maori Party MPs, New Zealand First and United Future MPs to join Pita Sharples in opposing this unfair and unnecessary piece of legislation.”

“The Bill is a blatant attack on working people and their families who would be forced to endure periods of unstable employment, unsure of whether they can meet their mortgage or family commitments,” said Brenda Pilott.

The Probationary Employment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament with the support of National, Act, New Zealand First, United and three of the Maori Party MPs (including Mr Sharples) in April.

The PSA will be appearing before the Select Committee considering the Bill and urging MPs to stand up for New Zealand workers and oppose the Bill.

ENDS

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