The Green Party has condemned new legislation allowing easier penalization of workers fighting for better pay and conditions.
The proposed bill, which aims to make it simpler for employers to dock wages from staff who engage in industrial action, has been met with fierce opposition from the Green Party's Workplace Relations spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. According to Tuiono, this move undermines workers' democratic rights and collective bargaining powers, crucial tools used to challenge unfair working conditions.
The legislation is set to come into effect next year amidst negotiations between employers and employees in the public sector workforces. Critics argue that its introduction is an attempt by the Government to quell potential strikes by intimidating workers with the threat of pay docking. The Green Party has vowed to fight this bill at every stage, while continuing to champion workers' rights.