So John Key says Hollywood likes New Zealand because of weak unions, low fringe benefit costs and the ‘flexible labour market’.
In other words they can get their wage slaves to work longer for less with fewer complaints.
They don’t have to pay for health insurance or superannuation because we’ve got good ones of those on the public dime. And they don’t have to pay more in wages or taxes either to make up for it. In fact with National’s law change Hollywood studios can employ everyone on contracts and not even worry about the minimum wage, and get subsidised $260 million in grants for the pleasure.
Yes, a lot of those grants were under Labour – and Lord of the Rings established a film industry here and gave tourism a boost.
But that’s no reason for National to sell out worker’s rights. Or trumpet the poor conditions of New Zealand workers as a positive to their foreign corporate mates.
And we know National will want to see this as a ‘success’ so they can roll out more ‘flexibility’ generally.
That’s why there’s no move to comply with the UN and introduce working hour limits for health and safety reasons. Leaving us working longer hours for our lower wages.
Great quotes from Metiria Turei and Helen Kelly:
Ms Turei said the briefing showed what she saw as Mr Key’s lack of “hope and commitment” to workers.
“Over and over again, we have seen him sell New Zealand short.
“John Key’s modus operandi is deals but what he is selling here is New Zealand workers’ low wages and poor conditions.”
Ms Kelly said Mr Key had low-wage aspirations. “I think it leads to wealth creation for the wealthy, which is who he represents.”
She said Mr Key had a “taste for celebrity” and got a “thrill” from dealing with Hollywood. “He is personally responsible for the relationship with Warners – and he has enjoyed it.”
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