Brooke van Velden Defends Government’s Labour Policies Amid NZCTU Protests

Van Velden also highlighted the extension of 90-day trials as a key measure to support job creation.

In response to nationwide protests by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU), Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering for all workers, including the vast majority who are not union members. Van Velden emphasized that the coalition Government remains focused on balancing support for workers and economic growth.

"Our priority is to deliver for all hardworking New Zealanders," van Velden stated. She underscored the Government’s efforts to control spending, enhance productivity, and ensure efficient public services. In her portfolio, the Minister emphasized the importance of creating more and better jobs through effective labour market settings.

Reflecting on the Government's decision to repeal the Fair Pay Agreement legislation early in the term, van Velden argued that these agreements would have harmed the labour market by increasing costs for businesses, potentially leading to fewer job opportunities and even business closures. "Rather than helping employees, Fair Pay Agreements would have made it harder for businesses to hire and could have led to closures," she explained.

Van Velden also highlighted the extension of 90-day trials as a key measure to support job creation. "The extension allows employers to take on candidates with the right attitude, even if they lack specific skills or experience, without facing the risk of a costly dismissal process," she said.

In a recent announcement, van Velden introduced changes to contracting arrangements through the "gateway contracting test," which aims to strike a balance between protecting workers and providing businesses with flexibility. "This test ensures there is a written agreement and that the work reflects a genuine contracting arrangement," she noted.

Although policy announcements on workplace health and safety reforms are forthcoming, van Velden signalled her intention to simplify the regulatory environment for businesses, ensuring they can address worker safety issues without getting bogged down by unnecessary complexities. "We want to create an environment where businesses and workers can confidently manage workplace risks without navigating confusing rules," she said.

Beyond her portfolio, van Velden emphasized the broader impact of the coalition Government’s policies, including reducing inflation to lower the cost of living and delivering tax relief. "We are committed to ensuring New Zealanders benefit from their hard work," she said, stressing the importance of controlling government spending and improving public services.

"New Zealanders voted for a government that would deliver economic stability and efficiency, and we remain committed to those goals," van Velden concluded, defending the Government’s approach to labour market reforms amid criticism from unions.