National pushes through 90-day work law
Employment law changes which were fiercely fought by employee associations and the Labour Party have been passed by Parliament.
The 90-day trial period for new employees has been extended to all businesses, and workers will be able to cash in the fourth week of their annual leave.
The separate bills passed their third readings yesterday, both on votes of 64 to 56.
Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson said the 90-day trial period, which previously applied to businesses with 20 or fewer employees, had been a success. It was introduced soon after the 2008 election, amid strident worker protest. "Rather than have the sky falling in, as was hysterically proclaimed, employers of small and medium-sized businesses gained the confidence to hire new employees," Ms Wilkinson said. " Without the trial period, hundreds of New Zealand workers would not have the jobs they currently do have." Ms Wilkinson said employers wanted to invest and grow their businesses but didn't want to face a personal grievance if they hired someone who turned out to be unsuitable.
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