Media statement
Friday, February 4, 2011

Labour's industrial relations policy toys with past failure

The suggestion today from Trevor Mallard that the Labour Party would re-introduce 1960-style national awards would be a disaster for business and workers, says Employment Services Manager for the Employers' and Manufacturers' Association, David Lowe.

"Under National Awards a few people in Wellington used to decide what was good for everyone else," Mr Lowe said.

"The world has moved on.

"Any system of national awards would undo all the advances made toward achieving flexible workplaces, which are so vital for New Zealand's competitiveness.

"People in Wellington end up telling employers and workers in Kaitaia and Invercargill when and how they can work.

"The loss of flexibility would inevitably drive some businesses off-shore as they become saddled with arrangements that don't work for them, their workers or customers.

"Employers are astonished Labour is even toying with ideas like this - they would certainly cause job-losses.

"Last time we had this system the choice to relocate off-shore was not present - now it is.

"We know where national awards lead because we've been there before: transport strikes during school holidays, and export orders delayed and cancelled.

"The Hobbit case proved if that door is opened again nothing will have changed."

ENDS

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