See our website: www.VulnerableMinister.co.nz
We recently undertook a campaign to raise awareness about the issues with Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act. While the cartoon is intended to inject humour into the debate about Part 6A, the issue is a serious one.
Simply put, the Act means that if we win a new contract, we are sometimes forced to employ the existing cleaners (regardless of their training or skills) even if they are the reason the customer wanted to get new cleaners in the first place!
Along with a lot of other companies within the $1 billion commercial cleaning industry in New Zealand, our company is being affected by Part 6A. We’re taking a leadership stance on this issue because we feel it’s the right thing to do.
The one person who can make a difference is the Minister of Labour Hon Kate Wilkinson. The Minister has so far failed to undertake the Statutory Review of Part 6A that was promised to be completed in 2009.
The review may not solve all the problems, but at the very least we’re hoping it will clarify some very loose wording that’s allowing the existing employees to decide as late as the day before we take over the contract, that they want to stay. With clearer wording around notice periods and other important factors, our company, our franchisees, the customers and the existing cleaners can be treated more fairly.
One way or another, we hope that a decision can be made on Part 6A that provides some certainty to businesses and employees alike. Our campaign has been very effective in sparking debate and the Minister is now renewing her promise to review this Act.
