18 July 2002

Just Who Is The Boss?

Steve Maharey and Margaret Wilson should explain why one is telling employers one thing, yet the other is telling workers the opposite, says National's Industrial Relations spokesperson, Simon Power.

"At yesterday's Business New Zealand conference in Wellington, Steve Maharey was busy telling employers that there was no way Labour would be introducing four weeks' annual leave for workers.

"Ironically, in Rotorua at the same time, the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union was hearing a completely different message from Labour Minister, Margaret Wilson - Labour would not rule out introducing four weeks' annual leave.

"It makes you wonder. Are they simply tailoring policy commitments to suit the audience? Can anyone really believe the promises Labour makes?

"The Ministers are obviously confused, or maybe they're just more concerned with seeing who can trump who," says Mr Power.

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