COO of the National Road Carriers Association (NRC), James Smith, is calling on NRC members to submit their views on the government’s proposed Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) and the NZ Income Insurance Scheme.

“Last week I attended a briefing by Minister Michael Wood at the Auckland EMA office. EMA is vocally opposed to FPAs and believes they remove the flexibility we have come to expect in the modern workplace. I share that view,” says Smith.

“My opinion is that there is no need for them and it is likely that introducing them will lead to considerable industrial disruption that will impact our members. I heard nothing that the briefing that explained why they were needed. I would like to encourage members to submit their views on the proposal.”

“Regarding the NZ Income Insurance Scheme, this also appears to be addressing a problem that does not exist and it will impose yet another cost for business owners,” Smith adds.

Submissions can be made by clicking here and close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 19 May 2022.

“While the Government has the numbers to push this through regardless of opinion it is still important that opinion is made,” Smith says.

A summary from the Q&A session with Minister Wood can be downloaded here.