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Labour leader David Shearer says the Government is inviting industrial turmoil with its latest attack on workers’ rights.
A private bill has been pulled out of the ballot which would allow employers to hire strikebreakers if their workers go on strike or are locked out.
Mr Shearer says while it’s in the name of National backbencher Jami Lee Ross, it is in keeping with other proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act.
"More strikes and lockouts will come about as part of the Government's legislation for the simple reason that if two parties aren't going to get to a conclusion, they will probably go to a lockout by the employers or the employees will go on strike because otherwise they will be forced into a situation where the company will be able to rule," he says.
David Shearer says strikes are no longer such a common occurrence that such drastic measures are needed.
Jami Lee Ross’s scab bill would need the support of the Maori Party and United Future MP Peter Dunne to pass.
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