25 June 2006
Softening 'No Rights' Bill just a façade
"Workers and unions will not be fooled by National MP Wayne Mapp's proposal to "soften" his bill removing workers'
rights during the first 90 days of employment," said Council of Trade Unions Secretary Carol Beaumont.
"Dr Mapp is obviously reacting to the significant negative response to his Bill. Fair minded New Zealanders do not think
it is right that workers starting a job should be exposed to unfair dismissal, without any appeal rights. Political
parties are receiving this message loud and clear and Dr Mapp is clearly trying to disguise the reality of the Bill by
talking of an unenforceable code of conduct," she said.
"To add insult to injury it would seem that Dr Mapp is saying that the Bill might only apply to workers working for
small employers. Why would it be fair that this group should be singled out for no rights?" Ms Beaumont asked. "It is
not unreasonable for all workers to expect access to rights of appeal against unfair dismissal, and so tinkering with
what was a bad Bill from the start wont help."
"Unions will continue to oppose this Bill despite Mapp's plans to amend it, because it would still mean workers could be
sacked without appeal. We are ensuring New Zealanders understand what is at stake and that they show their opposition to
this backward looking assault on workers rights."
ENDS