8. Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
What evidence, if any, led to her proposing to restrict the right of wage and salary earners to meet with their union representatives at their workplace?
Hon KATE WILKINSON (Minister of Labour) Link to this
I have reports of union representatives stopping customers from actually coming on to the workplace, disrupting customers in the workplace, and tying up workers for hours of productive time. That, inter alia, led us to the conclusion that it was timely to have a discussion and clarify what is fair and reasonable to both employers and employees whilst, at the same time, ensuring our international obligations regarding union access are not breached.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Did she provide any additional evidence to the Prime Minister after he gave his undertaking to the Council of Trade Unions not to proceed on restricting union access without further consultation; if so, what was that evidence?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
We have had several discussions regarding access; regarding our election manifesto. Further consideration persuaded me that it is timely now to have the discussion and clarify what is fair and reasonable to both employers and employees.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. It was a very careful, very specific question about additional evidence given to the Prime Minister after a particular event and what it was. That answer did not address either of the legs of my question. I can repeat the question, if you like.
Mr SPEAKERWhen the member asked his question, he referred to whether the Minister had provided any further evidence to the Prime Minister, following the Prime Minister making a certain statement. Now, I am not sure whether the Minister, in answering that, would know when the Prime Minister made the statement the member was referring to. Therefore, I think it is a bit unreasonable to expect an absolutely precise answer. Normally the member’s questions are commendably to the point, but I think that, given the information contained in the question, it would be hard for me to pin the Minister down beyond that. She said she did have discussions, where presumably she provided evidence to the Prime Minister.
Hon Tau HenareHon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
I have seen a statement from the President of the Council of Trade Unions noting: “You’ve got to remember that employers are not people.” Well, actually they are, and the reality is our Government has approved a package of sensible reforms to grow New Zealand’s economy and grow jobs for all New Zealanders. Good businesses need both employees and employers to work together, and we need laws that encourage this cooperation.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Was she in the room with the Prime Minister when he gave his undertaking to the Council of Trade Unions not to proceed on restricting union access without further consultation; if so, what evidence did she provide to the Prime Minister after that, which led to his change of mind?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
I believe I was not in the room when discussions were had between the Prime Minister and Helen Kelly, and I suggest that the member asks the Prime Minister what discussions were had.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Is she sure of her previous answer that she was not in the room when the Prime Minister gave that undertaking?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
I do not recall the Prime Minister giving such an undertaking, or being in the room.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Why did she, after her office indicated that she was free, decide that she would not debate this issue with Helen Kelly on Q+A on Sunday?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
Agreeing to or declining specific interview requests is done on a case by case basis. In my view, that interview was not necessary.