National's work probation bill clears its first hurdle

A National Party bill to allow a 90-day probation period for new workers passed its first hurdle last night and will proceed to a select committee.

The bill was the second to pass its first reading last night despite not having Government support - New Zealand First MP Barbara Stewart's members bill cutting the number of MPs from 120 to 100 was passed 61 to 60.

The probation period employment bill - which will give employers a 90-day trial period in which they can get rid of people who don't work out without a personal grievance claim taken against them - passed 63-58, with National, New Zealand First, Act and United Future all voting for it.

Three members of the Maori Party, which held the balance on the bill, voted in favour of it, and one member voted against it.

The bill's sponsor, National industrial relations spokesman Wayne Mapp, said its intention was to bring New Zealand into line with other OECD countries.

Mr Mapp said the bill would make it through to a third reading if National demonstrated it could deal with New Zealand First's and the Maori Party's concerns.

"If it succeeds all the way through it will be a significant change to our industrial law, but a necessary change. A change that will boost New Zealand's competitiveness and give - particularly young - people a better chance to get employment."

If the bill does make it all the way it would be major upset for the Labour-led Government.

The minority Government is guaranteed New Zealand First and United Future support on confidence and supply, but support on other sorts of legislation can give various parties the balance of power on a bill's fortunes.

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples said the majority of the party was supporting the bill to select committee because it wanted debate about Maori access to employment.

"We want to widen the options available, so that our people have the chance to get their foot in the door, to achieve the fullest possible range of employment opportunities. In case this House hasn't noticed, the door is still slammed shut for far too many Maori."

National leader Don Brash said the bill was the most important to be debated this year.

Green Party MP Sue Bradford said the bill was an attack on the young, less-skilled and unemployed and was mean-spirited and anti-worker.

The Council of Trade Unions said the bill would strip away legal rights of 200,000 workers a year.

President Ross Wilson said it would impact on people's confidence to take discrimination and sexual harassment complaints and disadvantage "vulnerable" workers.