A members' bill which sought to allow the use of strike breakers has been defeated at its first reading.
The bill, in the name of the National Party's Jami-Lee Ross, would have repealed the part of the Employment Relations Act that prevents the use of volunteers, contractors or casual employees during a strike or lockout.
Mr Ross told Parliament that his bill would create more flexibility for employers and put a stop to drawn-out strikes.
Labour MP Andrew Little said it was the bill of a fascist National Party which would allow employers to replace workers to starve them out.
The legislation was defeated with a tie of 60 votes, with only the National and ACT parties supporting it.
