Trade unionists plan to launch a protest campaign tomorrow against the National Party's bill which would bring in a 90-day probation period for new employees.
MP Wayne Mapp's Takapuna office would be the first target for demonstrators, the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) said today.
Dr Mapp, National's industrial relations spokesman, drafted the bill which passed its first reading in Parliament in March, despite strong opposition from the Government.
Unions have denounced it and threatened mass protest unless it is withdrawn.
Dr Mapp told NZPA he would be at his office at 7.30 tomorrow morning to meet the demonstrators.
"I'm quite prepared to debate this. I will explain to them that they are misguided," he said.
EPMU national secretary Andrew Little announced the protest plan, saying Dr Mapp's office would be picketed between 7.30 and 9.30 tomorrow morning.
"Tomorrow's rally will be the first of many around the country, including weekly Friday protests in Auckland, a rally in Whangarei on June 21, and a mass rally outside Parliament on July 20," Mr Little said.
"This bill means that employers will have the right to impose a 90-day probationary period on all new workers, from the youngest school-leaver to people well established in their careers."
Mr Little said that during the probation period workers could be sacked for any reason without even having the right to take a wages arrears case to a mediation service or the Employment Court.
Dr Mapp said Mr Little was wrong.
"Basic employment conditions around things like wage arrears, holiday entitlements and sick leave are protected," he said.
"I've actually said that to him previously, so he knows he's being a bit mischievous."
- NZPA
Union to picket MP over National's probation bill
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