WELLINGTON: While KFC has ditched the cruel zero-hour contracts, Customs staffs are locked into these employment conditions.
“In Parliament today, the government was in denial claiming this is casual and part time work,” says New Zealand First Labour and Industrial Relations Spokesperson Clayton Mitchell.
“The Minister for Workplace Relations Michael Woodhouse claimed an advert for Customs staff with hours fluctuating and no guaranteed hours of work was not unfair or unrealistic.
“However, the Minister has previously stated that the contracts, such as the ones at Customs, are ‘unfair and difficult for employees to plan their personal and financial lives’.
“At the time he was reacting to public pressure against legislation for zero-hour contracts.
“It’s clear the Minister isn’t up to date with Customs employment conditions. Many staff only get 30 hours a week and only know their hours a week in advance.
“Customs staff deserve a re-think on their employment conditions and it’s the Minister’s job to do it,” says Mr Mitchell.
