The Select Committee has reported back on the Bill, and the Government has held firm on their Cabinet commitments, despite cynical attacks by a big business lobby willing to splurge on advertising.

"The Employment Relations Amendment Bill tackles many of the damaging actions taken by the previous National Government that made it harder for working people to get ahead," says Wagstaff.

"The Select Committee heard vocal submissions from employers on this Bill, and real stories from everyday people who have been hurt by the last Government’s attacks on their working rights, lives and incomes. While getting legal wording right can be complicated, the politics aren’t- this Government was elected on a promise to help everyday working New Zealanders get ahead. And they recognise that big business is taking too much of the wealth working Kiwis are generating."

"The coalition Government agreed on improvements that help working people get a fair go at Cabinet in December, and made them a part of their 100 day programme. It’s great to see those commitments are on track to becoming law, and the Government is determined to give back working families a real stake in this country’s continued prosperity."