According to the CTU, an estimated 6000 submissions have been forwarded on the government’s antiquated Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) to the Transport & Industrial Relations Select Committee.
This is the bill that :
• Extends the 90 day no rights trial period to all workplaces
• Restricts the right of workers to have access to their unions at work
• Weakens fair processes where workers actually manage to get a grievance hearing
among other things.
Submissions hearings begin tomorrow in Wellington, and are likely to take up a lot of time in the next few weeks. The Select Committee will travel to other places (to be determined) and also meet during House Sitting time to get through the very tight timeframe of reporting back the bill by 7 November.
I’ve read some of the submissions so far and the arguments are comprehensive and convincing. With unions planning a national day of action in October, it will be interesting to see if the National Government members, who have the majority on the committee, are prepared to listen – and if necessary convince their Minister to change her mind.
We’ll see – but not holding my breath.
These are public hearings, so come along if you can.
that was about the same number of submissions that were lodged commenting on the foreshore and seabed legislation, wasnt it?
They should rename Wilkinson Minister of Slave Labour!
No.
Question: Does Gerry Brownlee have complete authority to change the Employment Relations Act and virtually any other Act he wants through Order in Council?
Answer: Yes. Thanks, in part, to Darien’s support. I think you’ve now got more fundamental risks than Wilkinson. Thanks.
I like the fact that you’ve now enabled the Government to, for example, ban unions, eliminate the minimum wage, disband the Holiday’s Act, eliminate free association, increase taxes on the poor while making the rich tax exempt, make probation periods indefinite…etc, etc…but you don’t think those are problems. You more worry about select committee shenanigans. Geez.
@UO – look I know you and others are upset about the Canterbury bill and you’ve got a point, but I think you’re going overboard a bit here. I’m concerned about doing the right thing by Canterbury people, including workers just as I am trying to do the right thing by NZ workers – unlike the government. And if, indeed, as you say, Gerry can do all of those things to workers and unions, I will join you in the revolution against it.
Darien – Good luck and I will try to get to a public meeting (am in Auckland). People could stop and contemplate that this Govt considered the 90 day trial required the same urgency as an earthquake disaster…
Of course he can… Have you read the bill..?
Your saying if he does you’ll join the revolution which displays how you just don’t get it… He should be in a position where he can and we trust him not too…
*He shouldn’t