By Chris Whitworth
The head of the Unite union has slammed National’s crackdown on sick days, saying they are "unworkable" and encourage a culture of "mistrust" in the workplace.
“What it reinforces is control,” says Unite spokesman Matt McCarten.
“That people can’t be trusted and need to be controlled.”
Speaking at the National Party Conference on Sunday, Prime Minister John Key proposed sweeping employment reforms.
In particular employers would gain the right to request a medical certificate for a single day off. The cost of this would be borne by the employer.
What's your opinion on the proposed laws?
Mr McCarten says “good management” is all that is needed to stop employees repeatedly skiving off work.
“If there is a pattern [in sick days] any employer worth their salt will take them in and talk about it,” he says.
Under the proposed law, employers can request a medical certificate up to three days after the sick day. Mr McCarten says this presents a fundamental flaw.
“It is unworkable unless they see the doctor on the same day,” he says.
Health officials have echoed his concerns, saying constant requests for medical certificates would congest medical centres.
Read the health sector's full response to the proposed employment laws.
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