Government pushes ahead with law to cut wages and work rights

The National government is pushing ahead with unfair employment law changes which undermine workers’ basic rights and will drive down wages, says the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.

“Despite thousands of submissions made against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, it’s come out of the select committee process barely changed,” says Rachel Mackintosh, EPMU director of organising.

“It still takes away the right to regular rest breaks. It still allows employers to walk away from collective bargaining. It’s made things worse for vulnerable workers like cleaners and caterers.”

Earlier this year, thousands of workers attended mass rallies across the country to take a stand for fairness at work. Twelve thousand submissions were received on the bill.

“This bill does nothing to add fairness to employment relations,” says Rachel. “It gives more power to unscrupulous bosses and threatens every worker’s rights.

“We are pleased to see that Labour, the Greens and New Zealand First have all entered minority reports opposing the Bill. We call on all opposition parties to commit to fighting and overturning this bad law.”

ENDS

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