The government's flagship workplace relations policy remains intact, despite a softening of the law's edges.
NZ First Leader Winston Peters Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
The Employment Relations Bill will pass second reading tonight, with the support of all three coalition partners.
There was a snag in the bill's pathway when New Zealand First voiced objections to the MECA provisions, which required employers to enter collective bargaining with unions.
But today New Zealand First pledged its support to what was being described as a more clarified bill.
The Employment Relations Bill now states employers are under no obligation to settle agreements, and says union representatives will only have unfettered access to workplaces where there is collective bargaining underway.
Winston Peters also touted an the exemption for small-to-medium businesses from changes to the 90-day trial law as a win, which was secured following public consultation at select committee.
He said he was happy with the changes, while acknowledging he didn't always get everything he wanted.
"You don't get always what you want, but you get as much as you possibly can in interests of the economy," he said.
"This is a victory not for businesses, not for workers, but above all for the economy of New Zealand."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was pleased to have gone through this process and to have both coalition partners on board.
"It's an iterative process, when you design legislation as a coalition. And as a result we are still changing the law to bring back balance into the workplace."
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said addressing inequality was a priority for her party, and she welcomed the added protections for workers that would come with this bill.
"We know that employment relations have become out of balance in New Zealand, and this legislation shows the government is listening and making the progressive changes that will benefit New Zealanders," she said.
