National shows further contempt for workers' rights

In a desperate attempt to defend the Government’s ‘Find A Job’ website Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said today that “any job’s a good job” even if its legality is questionable, says Labour’s spokesperson for Labour Issues Darien Fenton.

“The Government’s dismissive response to questions in the House today illustrates National’s contempt for workers’ rights and disregard for basic labour laws,” Darien Fenton said.

“The bar has just got remarkably low for unemployed New Zealanders.John Key’s commitment to get New Zealanders intobetter jobs andbetterincomes is another show of smoke and mirrors.

“Labour wants to get people into work, but not at the expense of basic rights like a minimum wage, holiday pay and sick leave.

“A number of jobscurrently being advertised on Work and Income’s ‘Find a Job’website offer positionsbelow the legal minimum wage and withoutemployment rights such as holiday pay and sick leave.

“A government site such as this needs to lead by example. I am certain New Zealand workers would be interestedto know the reality of John Key’s promise to get them into better jobs.

“Labour understands dream jobs don’t come easy, but workers deserve to work their way up on the assumption that their basic rights will be met.

Labour will always advocate for the rights of workers whether they be digging drains or flying jets. It’s about raising the bar on employment standards and giving credit where credit is due after a hard day’s work,” Darien Fenton said.