6. Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
Does she agree with all of the Prime Minister’s statements about the Government’s proposed new labour laws?
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Will her legislative change include a provision to allow people who have shifted from a permanent position into one where they can be dismissed without a reason being given to be reinstated in their original position; if so, will that be limited to people who were in their previous position for more than 12 months?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
The member will just have to wait and see what is in the actual wording of the proposed bill. Can I say in relation to the 90-day trial that there will be workers who do not want to leave the security of their present job and go to a new job with a 90-day trial, but this policy is helpful to those on the margins, those who have not had a job for awhile, those who are young and inexperienced, and migrants who do not have sufficient command of English. Those people can ask to be given a go and can get their foot in the employment market.
Hon Tau HenareThank you very much. They found a heart, and it is a real one! What reports has she seen about the trial period currently available to small businesses?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
I have seen a press statement from the Council of Trade Unions, issued back in 2008, which states: “Any small business that uses this law can expect to see the union and we will also publicly name and shame those that come to our attention.” I can only say that there has been no public naming and shaming, which suggests to me that the hysteria around the original bill has come to naught.
What protections for employees has the Government announced as part of the employment reform package?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
We have announced plans to double the maximum penalties under the Employment Relations Act and the Holidays Act. These increases underline the Government’s view that it is important that employers meet their legal obligations. We are also extending the powers of labour inspectors, including making it easier to ensure that all employees receive at least the legal minimum wages and conditions.