News

Bill to improve rights of young workers welcomed

Nanaia Mahuta

07.08.2008

Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta is congratulating Labour MP Darien Fenton on a new members' bill which aims to protect young workers.

The Employment Relations (Protection of Young Workers) Amendment Bill ensures all workers aged 15 and under must be employed on employment agreements under the Employment Relations Act 2000 and cannot be independent or dependent contractors.

"This initiative will continue to reinforce New Zealand Labour Party principles which support the most vulnerable in the workforce," Nanaia Mahuta said.

"I am pleased that her private members bill seeks to give greater support for young people in the workforce."

Nanaia Mahuta said young people have as much right to support as other workers.

"Many of our young people feel a great sense of independence when they get their first job whether it be delivering newspapers or pamphlets, berry picking, working at Pak n Save or McDonalds," Nanaia Mahuta said.

"That initial experience teaches young people about the value of work, the cost of commodities, how to budget for what you want and generally the types of skills needed in the modern work environment.

"Just because they are young doesn't mean that they have no rights and this Private Members Bill will go some way to protecting the rights of young works and ensure that they are not being unfairly treated or exploited.

" I certainly support her efforts to bring this issue before Parliament and I hope that members see the benefit of supporting young workers."

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