17 Nov 2010

Clash over 90-day bill in Parliament

8:42 pm on 17 November 2010

MPs have clashed in Parliament over legislation to extend the 90-day trial period to all employees.

Parliament is now in urgency for the debate on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill.

As well as extending the 90-day trial provision, the bill also requires unions to get the permission of employers before entering workplaces and makes the personal grievance procedure easier for employers.

Labour's industrial relations spokesperson, Trevor Mallard, says the Government argues the bill will help economic growth, but it does not.

Radio New Zealand's political editor says debate on the committee stage of the bill will be completed on Wednesday. MPs will then consider the Holidays Amendment Bill.