Labour pledges to reverse 'punitive' law

Labour has committed to campaigning on industrial issues for this election, including standing up for workers' rights and repealing the 90-day fire-at-will law.

In a hard-hitting speech to the CTU biennial conference last week (18-19 August) Labour leader Phil Goff lambasted the government's lack of vision for New Zealand and promised to reverse ‘National's punitive industrial legislation.'

‘National's 90-day future-at-will law is a direct attack on workers at a time when unemployment is already high,' said Goff in his speech. ‘It gives bad employers impunity to dismiss employees without good cause.'

‘And that's why this draconian, ideological law will be one of the first things we overturn when we form a new government after November 26.'
EPMU national secretary Bill Newson has welcomed this clear statement by the Labour party of its intentions post-election, should it be in a position to form a new government.

‘We campaigned strongly against this legislation and the changes that came into effect on April 1,' says Newson. ‘It's unfair on workers and a blatant disregard of workers' rights. It's good to hear labour say they'll get rid of it'.

Goff also committed the Labour party to strengthening collective bargaining and tackling persistent low wages.

‘With the support of your members,' Goff told the conference, ‘we'll have a Labour-led government after November 26 to create a better New Zealand.'