Pizza Worker Case Does Not Address Real Migrant Issues

A Pizza Hut worker who delivered pizza to the Key family home, saying he supports the “fire-at-will” law because it gives him and other migrant workers a chance, does not address the real employment issues migrants face, Labour Party Associate Ethnic Affairs spokesperson Dr Ashraf Choudhary says.

“Prime Minister John Key needs to examine statistics far more closely before claiming, after a conversation with just one migrant, that the ‘fire-at-will’ law and reduced access to union support will benefit migrants overall,” Dr Choudhary says.

A 2009 Human Rights Commission report revealed that over three years it received 249 complaints on the grounds of religious and/or ethical belief, he said.

“A third of these related to employment, including enquires from employers about accommodating the religious requirements of their staff or potential employees, and complaints from people who were asked about aspects of their religious belief during job interviews.

“And we need to remember that many incidents are not reported,” Dr Choudhary said.

“Other complaints involved problems experienced by people wearing headscarves in the workplace. There were 11 complaints from Sikhs about turbans; three were about wearing ceremonial daggers, or kirpans. One matter involving a taxi driver prohibited from wearing a turban.

“Six complaints were received in 2009 from people saying their observance of religious days was not accommodated by their workplace,” Dr Choudhary said.

“It is examples like these that have been a real concern for the migrant community.

“The ‘fire-at-will’ law will put migrant workers in an even more vulnerable position, particularly if they cannot get access to union representation.”

ENDS

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