Luxon Pressed to Respond Following Peters’ Misleading Statements on Employment Bill

Green Party Demands Accountability from Luxon Over Peters’ Union Claims

The Green Party has launched a scathing criticism of Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, accusing him of falsely claiming that unions failed to engage early enough on the controversial Employment Relations Amendment Bill.

Green Party Workplace Relations spokesperson Teanau Tuiono has called the New Zealand First leader’s behavior “a disgrace” following the bill’s passage and is urging Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to hold his coalition partner accountable.

“He has falsely claimed that unions didn’t raise their concerns with NZ First early enough. That is simply not true,” Tuiono said, adding that documentary evidence contradicts Peters’ assertions.

The dispute centers around the recently passed employment legislation, which has been a flashpoint of controversy between the coalition government and labor organizations. Union representatives have presented evidence showing they communicated concerns immediately after the bill was introduced.

“Every party, including NZ First, knew exactly what the unions’ concerns were as soon as the Bill was introduced,” Tuiono emphasized.

This confrontation highlights growing tensions within New Zealand’s political landscape around labor reform. The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has been criticized by opposition parties and unions for rolling back worker protections established under the previous Labour government.

The Greens have pointed to Peters’ credibility issues, noting that this isn’t the first time he has made questionable claims. “Peters was caught out making up nonsense about the Green Party last year which he had to correct in Parliament, so it’s obvious he has prior form,” Tuiono stated.

The controversy places Prime Minister Luxon in a difficult position, balancing coalition stability with calls for ministerial accountability. The Green Party warns that Luxon is “setting a dangerous standard for his Cabinet by letting Ministers get away with blatantly lying.”

Labor relations experts note that this dispute reflects broader ideological differences within New Zealand’s current government. The coalition, formed after the 2023 election, brings together parties with divergent views on worker rights and business regulations.

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill itself represents a significant shift in New Zealand’s labor landscape. Key provisions include changes to trial periods, collective bargaining processes, and rest break requirements. Critics argue these changes will disproportionately impact vulnerable workers, while supporters maintain they provide necessary flexibility for businesses.

The Green Party’s statement also criticized broader government labor policies, including “stripping workers’ rights, gutting pay equity for low-paid women, and allowing below inflation minimum wage increases.” These measures have sparked demonstrations across New Zealand in recent months, with union membership reportedly increasing in response.

Economic analysts suggest the timing of this political clash is particularly significant, coming amid rising living costs and housing concerns for many New Zealanders. Labor market data shows real wages struggling to keep pace with inflation, adding urgency to debates about worker protections.

Peters, who has positioned himself as a champion for “regular working New Zealanders,” now faces accusations of betraying that constituency through his support for the bill. His role as both Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs makes his stance on domestic labor policy particularly scrutinized.

“Unlike this government, the Greens back workers. And we are proud to let everyone know our position and stick to it,” Tuiono concluded, drawing a clear distinction between his party’s approach and the coalition government’s labor policies.

The Prime Minister’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on whether Luxon plans to address the allegations against Peters.