Every Kiwi worker affected by Key’s “unfair dismissal” plan

John Key has put his stake in the ground on workers’ rights issues with his plan to extend his Government’s 90 day “fire at will” to all companies, Labour Leader Phil Goff said today.

“Now we know where John Key stands on labour issues and it's not with workers,” Phil Goff said.

“John Key’s plans will affect all Kiwis who are looking for work or looking to change jobs. Those on the minimum wage to teachers, doctors, nurses and CEOs, will all now have their right to redress removed if they are unfairly dismissed in the first three months of their job.

“A person’s job is their livelihood. It’s critical for them to support themselves and their families. No one deserves to lose their job without good cause.

“The right of fair dismissal exists and most of our employers are good employers. But John Key’s proposed changes will allow bad employers to lay off staff for no good reason in the first three months of their job.

Phil Goff said it appears John Key has broken a promise to trade unions on the right of union access to workplaces.

“John Key told trade unions that he had no intention of restricting workplace access. He’s clearly gone back on that promise,” Phil Goff said.

“The Prime Minister’s attack on workers’ rights is unfair. Labour will oppose it at every stage and the next Labour Government will repeal these changes if John Key gets his way and they become law.

“The right of fair dismissal already exists. John Key’s proposal would create a right of unfair dismissal.”

ENDS

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