Legislation – Rally Against the Health & Safety at Work Amendment Bill – PSA

Pike River family members Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse will join other speakers at a rally opposing the Government’s proposed changes to health and safety laws being held at Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday 25 March).

The two campaigners will join workers who are opposed to the Bill at the rally, after they have submitted to the select committee.

“The presence of Anna and Sonya will be a poignant reminder that everyone deserves to come home from work safely,” says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Duane Leo, who is also speaking at the rally after making a submission to the select committee.

The rally is being organised by the PSA on behalf of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and affiliated unions.

“The Government is pushing a bill that will water down employers’ obligations, put workers at risk push the burden of workplace injuries onto workers, their whānau, ACC and the health system,” Leo says.

“The Bill would give employers with 20 or fewer workers huge exemptions to their health and safety responsibilities.

“Smaller employers wouldn’t have to protect their workers from things like trips and falls, exposure to infection, bullying, and workplace stress.

“The bill would also allow industries to develop their own health and safety codes of practice that could reduce employers’ health and safety obligations.

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions President, who is speaking at the rally Sandra Grey says: “We want worker health and safety to be a priority in businesses of all sizes and we are particularly concerned that this legislation gives smaller businesses a free pass.”

As well as Sonya, Anna, Duane and Sandra the rally will be addressed by opposition MPs.

The rally will feature a large yellow “Accidents Ahead” banner:

When 1pm-1.50pm, Wednesday 25 March

Where: Parliament Lawn.

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health and community groups.