Submissions on probation bill to begin

MPs will begin hearing submissions tomorrow on a controversial bill proposing a 90-day probation period for new employees.

The industrial relations select committee considering the bill will be told by the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) that it was an attack on the fundamental human rights of the most vulnerable employees.

The bill's promoter National MP Wayne Mapp says the bill will allow employers to give a chance of work to young people and others without fear of personal grievance cases if they are not up to the job.

CTU President Ross Wilson will tell MPs that he believes the bill creates a new category of "disposable worker" who could be sacked for any reason.

The bill as drafted would also apply to workers going from one job to another and not just those coming off benefits, and would encourage discrimination against the young, the old, migrants and "the brown".

Mr Wilson will argue that the current law allows for a probationary period and there was no evidence of many workers taking personal grievance cases against a dismissal in the first 90 days of employment.

Dr Mapp accused the union movement of running a campaign of disinformation, saying his bill was about giving employers the ability to offer young workers a chance.

He has denied it would erode basic human rights such as protection from harassment.

The bill made its way to a select committee after all Maori Party MPs except Hone Harawira supported the bill through its first reading in March, which it passed 63-58.

It also had the support of National, which has 48 MPs, NZ First (seven), United Future (three) and ACT (two).

Since then Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has withdrawn his support and co-leader Tariana Turia told NZPA today she had yet to make up her mind.

Mrs Turia indicated she was being lobbied by Maori employers as well as unionists.

United Future has also indicated that its support was conditional and there might have to be changes, particularly if it covered workers moving between jobs.

- NZPA