Media release

Shameful attack on all workers

The Government has passed the Employment Relations Amendment Act slashing the rights of all Kiwi workers.

“These changes are shameful. New Zealand now has some of the worst employment protections in the OECD. It is embarrassing that a country which could be a world leader, now lags so far behind.” CTU President, Helen Kelly said.

“These new laws are intended to attack basic work rights. Workers will now find it much harder to get a fair deal through collective bargaining simply because employers will be able to legitimately refuse to agree a collective agreement. This law attacks workers when they are most vulnerable; when they are negotiating for a new job, when their employment is at risk. Many workers will even lose their rights to tea and meal breaks.” Kelly said.

“Kiwi workers deserve more than this.” Kelly said.

ENDS

Notes:
1. Over 12,000 people made submissions from workplaces all around the country. The CTU organised a separate Peoples Select Committee to hear them as the official Select Committee denied many the opportunity. Here is the Peoples Select Committee Report http://union.org.nz/policy/peoples-select-committee-report
2. Our factsheets can be found here http://union.org.nz/whycutourpay

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