The Labour Party is backing a National MP's bill to force unions to hold secret ballots on strike action.The member's bill was drafted by Tau Henare and came up for its first reading in Parliament today.He had not expected support from Labour but MP Trevo
The Labour Party is backing a National MP's bill to force unions to hold secret ballots on strike action.
The member's bill was drafted by Tau Henare and came up for its first reading in Parliament today.
He had not expected support from Labour but MP Trevor Mallard said his party had no problems with it because it largely reflected current practice.
"Very few unions use a `show of hands' strike votes these days -- the vast majority are comfortable with secret ballots because they are fairer and more democratic and do not represent an erosion of workers' rights," Mr Mallard said.
"Labour will be using the select committee process to ensure that as well as decision systems being fair for unions, they are fair for employers."
The Employment Relations (Workers' Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill passed its first reading on a unanimous vote and has been sent to the industrial relations select committee for public submissions.
