Council of Trade Unions media release

16 August 2010

The CTU has released another story of unfair dismissal under the controversial 90 day provision for small enterprises.

This one involves a part time worker who is still at school. Florence was dismissed on the 85^th day of her 90 day period and was completely unaware of anything that could have prompted the dismissal.

See Florence’s story at www.youtube.com/NZCTU

Helen Kelly, CTU President, said today: “Last week we released the story of Heather who was unfairly dismissed and now Florence is another brave worker prepared to speak out. We will release more stories in the coming months.”

Helen Kelly said it needs to be remembered that the Government rushed the 90 day provision for small enterprises in under urgency just before Christmas in 2008. There was no opportunity for public debate and no Select Committee process. This time we are determined that there is widespread public discussion.

“In addition the Government is proposing to weaken the rights of all workers who are dismissed after the 90 day period. They want to reduce the requirement for a fair process, expand the reasons for dismissal, and remove reinstatement as a primary remedy.”

“This amounts to a huge attack on the job security of all wage and salary earners.”