Dirty politics being used to spread misinformation on FPAs

Following the release of leaked documents from the Fair Pay Agreement workgroup, FIRST Union General Secretary Dennis Maga says he is hugely disappointed that what is supposed to be a collaborative effort between business and working people is being undermined by dirty politics.

“It’s hugely disappointing. On the one hand we have working people’s share of income continuing to fall behind the cost of living, even in regions where it used to be affordable, and on the other hand, we have right wing lobby groups and politicians deliberately sabotaging and undercutting what is supposed to be a democratic, collaborative, tripartite solution between business, government and working people.”

The leaked documents have created some concerning reporting, so for clarification;

“My understanding of Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) is that they are simply about setting minimum standards over and above which working people are free to negotiate their own terms and conditions, their own pay rate, their own sick leave etc. People can still choose whether or not they unite with a union.”

“It’s rather infuriating that underhand tactics such as the attempt to spread misinformation are being used at the expense of working people in New Zealand. The only explanation for this is that these interest groups want to trick New Zealand workers into believing they’ll be worse off under a Fair Pay Agreement. The reality is, employers want to maintain the ability to keep pay and conditions as low as possible and FPAs challenge that.”

“Sector-wide bargaining is proven to provide a better deal for workers, for example in Australia where it provides an average of 30% better wages. It also provides a level playing field for employers, so everyone in New Zealand wins. There is a constructive and democratic process providing a framework to build a better New Zealand through sectoral bargaining, and that is a positive for us all.”

ENDS

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