CTU MEDIA RELEASE
08 July 2008
News gets worse for workers in small business
“After confirmation workers in small businesses will be able to be fired unfairly in the first 90 days, now a National
MP has said that KiwiSaver employer contributions need ‘adjusting’ for small businesses,” CTU president Helen Kelly said
today.
“Who is going to want to work for a small business in New Zealand, when under National a second class of worker is
created with less rights and choices than others?”
“There is already a strong interest in KiwiSaver from workers, 700,000 of whom have made personal financial decisions
based on information available on KiwiSaver. National needs to let workers know just what sort of ‘adjusting’ they are
planning.”
“Australian employers have to contribute 9% to superannuation, and the phased-in 4% employer contribution here means New
Zealand workers can start to catch up with their Australian colleagues."
“If National are going to scrap employer tax credits, they should tell workers sooner rather than later. It is important
information for voters and democracy demands they come clean.”
“National voted against Kiwisaver and it is not surprising they now have policy to cut its benefits,” Helen Kelly said.
ENDS