MEDIA RELEASE

13 September 2004

National Takes Extremist Position on
Changes to Labour Law

In committing the National Party to repeal the Employment Relations Bill, its leader Don Brash is clearly saying ‘don’t vote for me if you want fairness at work’, Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

Don Brash has committed to repealing the Employment Relations Act amendments which have been reported back in a select committee report tabled in Parliament today.

“One of Don Brash’s current themes is that Australian workers earn 25 per cent more than their New Zealand counterparts,” Ross Wilson said. “But he fails to acknowledge that Australia has maintained a strong industrial relations system which has enabled workers to get pay increases.”

Australian workers have also had four weeks annual leave for years, and National intends to deny New Zealand workers that gain as well.

“It is clear that Don is both a Scrooge and an extremist when it comes to laws which help to ensure that working people can get a fair share of the growth New Zealand business has been enjoying for several years.

“The CTU represents almost 300,000 working New Zealanders who will note that he has once again committed to attack their basic rights at work if he becomes Prime Minister next year.

“The choice is becoming increasingly clear.”

ENDS

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