Employment law changes will widen inequality

The Public Service Association says the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, set to pass its second reading in Parliament this evening, will further income widen inequality in New Zealand.

“This Bill harms workers’ ability to bargain together for better wages and conditions,” said Richard Wagstaff, PSA National Secretary.

“Changing the rules to allow employers to walk away from collective bargaining only strengthens the hand of employers at the negotiation table.

"We know that strong collective bargaining results in higher wages and better conditions, but these changes to employment law will make achieving that even harder.

“Making collective bargaining harder will drive most worker's wages down, while those at the top continue to increase.

"Almost 8000 of our members submitted to the Select Committee hearing this bill, and hundreds asked to be heard in person.

“The PSA and our members are clear – if this Bill becomes law, New Zealand workers will be worse off,” said Richard Wagstaff.

ENDS

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