John,

The new National, ACT and New Zealand First Government wants to scrap Fair Pay Agreements.

This will be a huge step backwards for hardworking New Zealanders, making it tougher for workers in critical roles, like cleaners and security guards, to secure better wages and working conditions.

In fact, leaked documents show that the decision to scrap Fair Pay Agreements would disproportionately impact women, Māori and Pasifika and young people. These revelations show exactly where the Coalition Government’s priorities are.

In Government, Labour delivered on our commitment to back workers with Fair Pay Agreements. These improve wages and conditions for employees, and level the playing field so that employers who are trying hard to offer fair terms don’t get undercut and disadvantaged.

Now, one of the first things Christopher Luxon, David Seymour and Winston Peters want to do is scrap them. Instead of helping people with the cost of living like they promised during the campaign, they’re taking away the opportunity of fair wages and conditions right before Christmas.

As Labour’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, I received a petition this morning with thousands of signatures from people calling on the new Government to keep Fair Pay Agreements for New Zealand workers.

This petition sends a strong message, but there’s still more we can do. You can tell the new Minister in charge of workplace relations, Brooke van Velden, that you support Fair Pay Agreements by clicking here, or at [email protected].

Only by showing overwhelming opposition to the removal of Fair Pay Agreements can we stop the new Government rolling back progress for workers.

Thanks,

Camilla

P.S. We know that the new Government is going to reinstate 90-day trials before Christmas, meaning that any employer will be able to dismiss workers without cause within their first 90 days of employment. We will do everything we can to stop this. If you have a story to share about you or a loved one being unfairly dismissed under a 90-day trial, please reply and let me know.