Employment Law

It is no surprise that the Business Round Table and Business NZ are using disappointing productivity statistics to argue for even more attacks on existing employment law.

Workers must make sure the Government hears their views on unfair dismissal procedures to protect their fundamental rights to a fair hearing and security of employment, said CTU President Helen Kelly today in response to announcement of consultation on part 9 of the Employment Relations Act 2000.

The changes introduced by the Government today to legislation providing entitlements to workers for rest and meal breaks are unnecessary and ignore the basis of the current provisions, said CTU President Helen Kelly.

The CTU expressed disappointment and concern today at the Government’s plans to amend the recently passed rest and meal break legislation.

Today’s announcement on the Holidays Act Review by the Minister of Labour has elements that will reassure workers but will also raise concerns, said CTU Vice President Richard Wagstaff.

The Council of Trade Unions has today petitioned Parliament to send the Fire at Will Act to a select committee for proper consideration.

“National drove their employment law changes through Parliament under urgency last week when there was no compelling reason to do so,” CTU president Helen Kelly said.

“The Council of Trade Unions is willing to discuss with small businesses the challenges that they face but cannot support any law which removes the fundamental right of appeal against unfair dismissal,” CTU president Helen Kelly said today.

“The Minister of Labour has misled the public on the level of protections available to employees unfairly treated by the 90 Day Fire at Will Bill,” Council of Trade Unions President Helen Kelly says.

Parliament has just begun pushing through an amendment to employment law to remove unfair dismissal protections for a third of the workforce who are in small businesses.