07 July 2008
What sort of government legislates for unfairness?
"What sort of party has policy that advocates legislating for unfair workplace practice," Council of Trade Unions
president Helen Kelly said today.
"You wouldn't see small shops be given the right to opt out of consumer protection laws, or small property owners opting
out of tenant protection laws, so why would any government legislate to allow small businesses to opt out of fairness in
employment?"
"National's right to unfairly sack workers would be given to the 96 per cent of all employers who make up small
businesses, and could affect up to 200,000 workers every year. Currently all businesses can dismiss workers when it is
justified and fair including on day one, but why specifically legalise unfair behaviour - it is beyond belief."
"All of the employments policies National have released to date are about removing choice and rights for workers," Helen
Kelly said.
"Workers would have no choice over whether their employer uses private insurance for their accident compensation, no
right of appeal against being unfairly sacked, and a question mark still hangs over workers' choice in KiwiSaver and the
right to an employer tax credit."
"National has opposed every decent piece of employment policy over the last nine years, including four weeks annual
leave, paid parental leave, time and a half for statutory holiday work, the right to request flexible work and
protection for vulnerable workers when a business is sold or transferred," Helen Kelly said.
"We are still waiting for any policies which will actually benefit workers."
ENDS