Regime shift predicted

Media release
4 March 2004

Regime shift predicted

The Employment Relations Law Reform Bill will bring about a 'regime shift' that will become more apparent over time, Business NZ Chief Executive Simon Carlaw told the Transport & Industrial Relations Select Committee today.

Business NZ was the first organisation heard by the select committee considering the Bill.

He said Treasury's concerns at the shift in regulatory regime proposed in the Bill were appropriate because it would fundamentally alter workplace relations, opening the door to compulsory bargaining, compulsory arbitration and collective agreements similar to national awards.

"These would result in less workplace freedom, restrictions on both employers and employees, and very significant increases in the cost of employment."

Mr Carlaw said it was completely unsatisfactory that there had been no analysis of likely costs arising from the legislation.

"This Committee has a clear duty to advise Parliament that no adequate consultation with employers has occurred and that without knowledge of its fiscal and financial implications the Employment Relations Law Reform Bill should not proceed," Mr Carlaw said.

Mr Carlaw's oral submission notes are on the Business NZ website, at: http://www.businessnz.org.nz/file/661/040304submissionEmploymentBill.pdf

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