Bills erode workers' rights

Last week the Maori Party spoke out in condemnation of the Employment Relations (Continuity of Labour) Amendment Bill, which will overturn Section 97 and allow employers to hire temporary staff during a strike or lockout.

It was the second of two bills introduced recently that will erode the fundamental rights for all workers in this country - that is the right to be treated fairly and with dignity, to enjoy the stability of a safe and healthy work environment and the right to workplace bargaining.

First the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, which we believe attacks collective bargaining, undermines workers' rights and enables employers to walk away from talks without having any commitment to return to the table.

This particular bill suggests a return to the situation where the duty of good faith does not require parties to a collective agreement to conclude bargaining and would allow employers to opt out of multi-employer bargaining. We take heed from the Council of Trade Unions that such provisions could contravene New Zealand's obligations under the International Labour Organisation's conventions.

The latest, a private member's bill, the Employment Relations (Continuity of Labour) Amendment Bill, sponsored by MP Jami-Lee Ross, will see a return to some conditions imposed on workers during one of the most controversial and lengthy industrial disputes in this country.

This year marks 62 years since the 1951 waterfront strike, in which the Government used drastic emergency regulations to seize power over the unions, including using the armed forces to replace strikers.

The waterfront lockout was the biggest industrial confrontation in New Zealand history and lasted 151 days. During the time, up to 20,000 workers went on strike in support of waterfront workers who refused to work overtime.

It was illegal to provide support to the wives and families of the men who were striking. It was illegal for those supporting the strikers to publicly voice their support by handing out brochures or carry banners of support.

We shouldn't forget this sordid part of our history when working conditions were eroded. A fundamental right that has long been fought for - the right of collective bargaining with the employer - is now in jeopardy.

We don't think this latest bill is good for workers and we don't think it will benefit employers either. It will merely act to delay negotiations with workers and their unions.

There will be no incentive for employers to want to negotiate quickly and fairly to address an issue if they are permitted to replace striking staff. We know there will be dire consequences for Maori workers if this legislation is to proceed.

It lowers the morale of staff, it undermines the value in employees' skills and labour in workplaces, as well as the power of collective action and the strength of the unions to ensure workers' rights are respected and upheld.

We will not let this law go past lightly. We will be taking every step possible using our leverage to ensure it goes no further.