The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council is deeply concerned that the Employment Relations Bill in its current form could result in the inhumane treatment of lobsters and live fish destined for export.

SeaFIC General Manager of Policy and Science Micheal Harte, said New Zealand live seafood exports are not deemed to be an “ Essential Industry” under the proposed ERB legislation. (Clause 107 Part A and B of Schedule 1)

“It is truly ironic that the New Zealand Seafood Industry has invested heavily in technology to ensure our seafood exports are treated as humanely as possible to comply with Animal Welfare legislation.”

“However the flawed Employment Relations Bill could see millions of dollars of lobsters and live fish die slowly and tortuously on wharves and in airport cargo bays because workers want to strike without consideration for the welfare of the fish, ” Dr Harte said.

Schedule 1, which has been around for about 30 years, has been lifted directly from the previous legislation without any thought being given to using this opportunity to make changes to reflect the new developments in the seafood and other food processing industries.

“What the industry wants is simple and will not alter the intent of the bill. If the government includes the holding and preparation of live eels, marine fish, crustaceans, molluscs and bivalves for the domestic or export market in Schedule 1 of Clause 107, then our humanely treated seafood exports will not suffer at the hands of striking workers.”

For further information:
Contact Dr Harte 04 385 4005 or 025 498 087 or Communications Manager Tina Nixon 025 2232789

Media Release
10/8/2000

Erb Bill Allows For Torture Of Live Lobsters

The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council is deeply concerned that the Employment Relations Bill in its current form could result in the inhumane treatment of lobsters and live fish destined for export.

SeaFIC General Manager of Policy and Science Micheal Harte, said New Zealand live seafood exports are not deemed to be an “ Essential Industry” under the proposed ERB legislation. (Clause 107 Part A and B of Schedule 1)

“It is truly ironic that the New Zealand Seafood Industry has invested heavily in technology to ensure our seafood exports are treated as humanely as possible to comply with Animal Welfare legislation.”

“However the flawed Employment Relations Bill could see millions of dollars of lobsters and live fish die slowly and tortuously on wharves and in airport cargo bays because workers want to strike without consideration for the welfare of the fish, ” Dr Harte said.

Schedule 1, which has been around for about 30 years, has been lifted directly from the previous legislation without any thought being given to using this opportunity to make changes to reflect the new developments in the seafood and other food processing industries.

“What the industry wants is simple and will not alter the intent of the bill. If the government includes the holding and preparation of live eels, marine fish, crustaceans, molluscs and bivalves for the domestic or export market in Schedule 1 of Clause 107, then our humanely treated seafood exports will not suffer at the hands of striking workers.”

ends

© Scoop Media