New Zealand trades unions have risen to the government’s challenge to prove that the new 90 day ‘Fire At Will’ law, which was passed under urgency (meaning that the public and unions had no chance to make submissions on it)  has resulted in workers losing their jobs.

They are to showcase a number of  videos on YouTube where they intend to name and shame businesses that unfairly dismissed workers under the new rule. They intend to make the public aware of the implications of the new legislation and the effects it is already having on some individuals.

The NZ Council of Trade Unions says

The Government wants to take away everybody’s right to fair treatment when they start a new job.
For now, the current Fire at Will law only applies if you start work for a company with fewer than 20 staff.
But if you are starting work with a small employer they can now fire you for almost any reason, or even no reason at all, during your first 90 days – and they don’t have to give any reason.

And they are encouraging workers to protest against the new law, which they fear will be extended by the government to all businesses in New Zealand. Watch a TV report about the campaign here

No prizes for guessing that the groups most likely to fall foul of the new rules are likely to be young people, women in low pay jobs and immigrants.

This is Heather Smith’s story, even though she’d been working in the business for three years she had no job security when it came under new ownership

If you’ve lost your job because of the new law please leave a message in the comments section and tell us about it.

Read more about this issue:

Report on 90-day trials at odds with Govt line – “questionable methodology” was used in a study to validate the effectiveness of the Fire at Will law.

All new workers set to face 90-day trial – The government plans to extend the scheme to new workers in all companies in New Zealand.