June 30, 2017
Labour policy ignores Maori workplace reality
A Maori trade unionist is disappointed Labour hasn't committed to scrapping the 90-day trial period for new employees.
Labour's employment policy released yesterday introduces the idea of Fair Pay Agreements covering whole industry sectors, similar to the pre-Employment Contracts Act award system of the 1970s and 80s.
It would also introduce mediation if workers are sacked at the end of a 90-day trial.
Syd Keepa, the Council for Trade Unions vice president Maori, says it may look good on paper but not in the workplaces where 90 day trials are used and abused.
"It probably has an impact more an Maori and Pasifika and how many of those people that go on those trial periods know about the law because what will happen is the employer will use that law to get rid of them and they don't know they have got the law on their side where they can do something about it," he says.
Mr Keepa says while a promised increase in the minimum wage is welcomed, commitment to a living wage would have a greater impact on whanau and boost the amount of money in local economies.
Copyright © 2017, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com