PSA launches attack on National Party ‘Get the sack in 90 days’ Bill

“Wayne Mapp’s 90 day probationary period bill is a shameful attack on the rights of all New Zealand employees and their families,” said PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff. “Our union will be fighting to stop this Bill becoming law.”

The Public Service Association has today launched its campaign against the Bill which includes running workplace meetings throughout the public sector and sending thousands of postcards urging the Select Committee considering the Bill to oppose it.

“The 90 day probationary period of employment would be a huge leap backwards for industrial relations in New Zealand by explicitly giving employers the power to treat their employees unfairly.”

“The Bill would give employers the ability to dismiss employees without a reason and would result in employees being reluctant to change jobs during their career.”

The Probationary Employment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament with the support of National, Act, New Zealand First, United and three of the Maori Party MPs last month.

“This Bill is an attack on working people and their families who would be forced to endure periods of unstable employment, unsure of whether they can meet their mortgage or family commitments.”

“The Bill is a just a taste of the disastrous approach the National Party would take to industrial relations if they ever get into government again,” said Richard Wagstaff.

The PSA will be making a submission to the Select Committee and asking to appear before it to ensure that MPs are fully aware of the implications of the proposed legislation.

ENDS

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