Mapp work-trial bill hinges on Maori Party

The Maori Party will determine if a National bill allowing employers to hire and fire new workers more freely in the first three months will make first base in Parliament tonight.

And chances are the party will decide during the debate, a spokeswoman said.

The bill, sponsored by National industrial relations spokesman Wayne Mapp, would implement National Party policy.

It is aimed at giving employers a 90-day trial period in which they can get rid of people who don't work out without a personal grievance claim taken against them.

Maori Party support would give the bill 61 votes in a 121-seat Parliament and ensure it gets to select committee.

Continued support by the Maori Party and New Zealand First could lead to a major upset for the Labour-led Government.

The minority Government is guaranteed New Zealand First and United Future support on confidence and supply, but configurations of support on other sorts of legislation can give various parties the balance of power on a bill's fortunes.

Dr Mapp said the Maori Party told him yesterday it had wanted to do some further investigation before reaching a position.

Its support is also expected to tip the New Zealand First bill to reduce the number of MPs to 99 to select committee.

Unions oppose the bill, saying it erodes rights and encourages poor management practices. Dr Mapp's bill is one of five employment-related bills that have come before the House recently.