HUNDREDS OF concerned Wellingtonians filled Civic Square over the weekend to rally against the Government’s plans to revise “workers’ rights”.
A brass band and banner-bearing union members marched in convoy from Cuba St and into the square to the delight of a crowd of several hundred, many of whom applauded.
Comedienne Michelle A’Court flew in from Auckland to MC on the main stage, where dancers and singers performed and people affected by the 90-day rule told their stories.
Ms A’Court said she is passionate about workers rights, although as a freelance writer and entertainer she has not had a “real job” in 17 years.
She has a daughter who will be going into the workforce soon and is concerned about her rights.
Green MP Sue Kedgley – there with fellow party member Gareth Hughes – said the proposed changes are “a systematic step-by-step undermining of employee rights”, which is going to have huge impact, making people reluctant to switch jobs.
Labour MP Grant Robertson and Wellington mayoral candidate Celia Wade-Brown said they were pleased to see the turnout.
Mrs Wade-Brown said they had heard some sad stories from people regarding the 90-day rule.
Members of the Public Service Association were supplying free sausages at the rally, feeling that as there was an emphasis on family and younger people a free sausage sizzle and face painting for kids would be a good idea.
The rally was organised by many of the unions who have been working together over months, said Council of Trade Unions health and safety training co-ordinator Helen Mulholland
It was advertised in traditional ways such as posters and flyers handed out by volunteers on the street, but radio, Facebook and YouTube also featured prominently.
The Government intends to pass legislation to extend to all businesses the 90-day probation period already applying to small businesses.
The proposed bill was passed 64-57 at its first reading in Parliament last week and is now open to public submission.
During the 90-day probation period, employers can fire staff without a full explanation and employees cannot claim unfair dismissal.
It currently covers businesses of 19 or fewer staff. If the new legislation is passed, unions say it could affect 400,000 people, the number of people starting or changing jobs each year.
Public submissions to the bill close on September 15 and will be followed on October 20 with a national day of action.
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