Frustration at lack of Labour Ministry action

There's a call for the Minister of Labour to resign if she can't make a decision on changes to a section of labour laws that covers, cleaning, catering and hospitality sectors.

Managing Director of cleaning company Crest, Grant McLauchlan, says the section of law forces companies which have taken over contracts from other companies to accept the transfer of employees on unknown terms and conditions.

He says at the same time the company's liable for a penalty for employing them without being given written and signed copies of their agreements.

"It's very ambiguous and it's opened up all levels of interpretation. In the last 12 months this legislation has seen court cases in the Supreme Court jurisdiction and there's been multiple cases in the High Court. So it's clearly a problem."

Grant McLauchlan says the legislation has been reviewed but is sitting on Kate Wilkinson's desk.

"It's frustrating, it's difficult, it's been three years and we just need some clarity. That's all we're asking. It's a simple request, by a simple business, and I don't believe it's unreasonable."

Photo: NZ Herald