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Alasdair Thompson sacked by EMA

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Wed, 06 Jul 2011 1:33p.m. LATEST

Alasdair Thompson

Alasdair Thompson

By 3news.co.nz staff

Alasdair Thompson has been sacked by the board of Employers and Manufacturers Association.

Mr Thompson was head of the EMA but came under immense public criticism after suggesting that women take more sick leave than men because of their "monthly sick problem".

Graham Mountfort, president of the EMA Board, says the decision relates to comments Mr Thompson made in media interviews.

“After having considered this matter for some time the board believes Mr Thompson is no longer able to continue as CEO of the organisation.

“We regret that Alasdair’s role with the EMA is ending in this manner, especially considering the contribution he has made over the past 12 years.

“However under the circumstances the Board has had to make this difficult decision.”

Helen Kelly, president of the Council of Trade Unions, says she was not surprised by the announcement.

“I think there has been some serious talking going on in that organistion, but I cant say I’m pleased until I see really whether this is going to make a difference to women at work,” she says.

Ms Kelly was joined by the Green party last month in calling for Mr Thompson to quit.  

Mr Thompson initially apologised for offence caused by his comments and then later for his "choice of words".

“I apologise for my poor choice of words and bad judgment during the discussion about gender and productivity in the workplace.

“I raised issues that were misplaced and irrelevant to the discussion, I realise my remarks offended many people."

But until now the EMA board had kept quiet on Mr Thompson’s future.

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Comments

10 Jul 2011 05:31a.m.

Paul wrote:

like I said in the previous article, Good.

06 Jul 2011 06:41p.m.

Deanne wrote:

He did not deserve to be sacked! This digital age has made the world so PC! In the 90s or 80s he would of had a slap on the wrist and told to shut his mouth. The media has taken what he said out of context, he didn't say women should be paid less because they have more time off work. He said its a possible reason for them being paid less. He believed women should have equal pay. Plus he did apologies for his comments. I believe he was unfairly treated. Oh and by the way I am a women.

06 Jul 2011 06:26p.m.

Ero-Senin wrote:

Good riddance to another idealogist Hack.

Would everyone commenting here just drop the whole "This is so damn PC" or another one of my favourites "What happened to free speech?".

And I see we have the so called "Anti PC" brigade that always springs up, It's not an issue about free speech, Thompson can say what he wants when he wants (Just like he has already) No-one is saying you can't voice your opinion about anything, but at the same time, if you do something that is damaging to your employer's repuation, they have the right (check your employment agreement, it's a pretty standard clause) to treat that as serious misconduct and potentially fire you and that's common sense.

And one more thing,we don't have constiutionally guaranteed free speech in NZ. Generally I would hope that most people I deal with at work treat me with the respect I have earned through my own conduct and performance, and consistent with the way they would treat their own mother, sister, wife or daughter (and consistent with how they would wish to be treated).

So there goes anyone's arguement about Free speech, Ignorance is thick here.

06 Jul 2011 05:41p.m.

Alien wrote:

i see the traitor helen kelly is crying that sacking wasn't enough. shame someone doesn't do this country a favour and fire her, she has done more damage to this country than anyone the past few years

06 Jul 2011 04:57p.m.

bernard wrote:

see just another reason i will not be voting national this year when in opposition national moaned and moaned about political correctness national is even worse than lab was . national is pc mad .will national keep any promise besides tax cuts to the elite wealthy who created no jobs as we were promised . no way never again .

06 Jul 2011 04:50p.m.

Darrel wrote:

Everyone thinks he got sacked for his comments about women, but he more likely got the boot for his arrogant bullyboy shenanigans afterward. Good riddance to this turkey

06 Jul 2011 04:34p.m.

katrina wrote:

Unjust dimissal. Women/Feminists are actually ruining it for women. He was only expressing what most employers think. Apart from the fact that men take golf days. It is a case of shooting the messenger.

06 Jul 2011 03:33p.m.

jem wrote:

Its a sad day for sanity.......

06 Jul 2011 03:24p.m.

jeremy wrote:

If a woman in a similar position expressed the view that men have more days off due 'Mens flu'would she be fired?

06 Jul 2011 02:50p.m.

Jc wrote:

As a woman, I have never felt so disappointed with the way women have handeled themselves in this matter. Urging Alisdair to be fired, throwing tampons at the EMA building, rallying for a day off... Just depicts how immature some of us can be. What Alisdair said is nothing new. His comments are backed by research, just google it. After 12 years of service, EMA board's decision just shows what they treasure, not loyalty to one of their own but profit.