10. Question No. 10—Workplace Relations and SafetyCAMERON LUXTON (ACT) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and SafetyQuestion No. 10—Workplace Relations and Safety10. CAMERON LUXTON (ACT) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What steps has she taken to improve flexibility in the labour market?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): Today I am pleased to announce that my bill to repeal the fair pay agreements system has passed its third reading in Parliament. By achieving this milestone we are in the final stages of bringing about real change for businesses and workers that helps New Zealanders get ahead.Cameron Luxton: How will repealing fair pay agreements and improving labour market flexibility benefit workers?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN: This Government wants to see higher wages and better conditions for workers especially during a cost of living crisis. Repealing the fair pay agreements legislation gives businesses the certainty they need to invest and grow creating more and better jobs. By repealing the fair pay agreements we will have improved labour market flexibility which has been a pillar for New Zealand's economic success for the past three decades. This Government has removed these one-size-fits-all agreements which have no place in an economy where innovation is key. The best and most sustainable way to increase the wages of workers and to achieve lower prices for consumers is to improve productivity and to reduce the regulations that hold businesses back. Cameron Luxton: What message would the Minister have for those who opposed the repeal of fair pay agreements?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN: There has been a lot of scaremongering around the repeal of the fair pay agreements. I do wish to clarify a few points. First I want to make it clear that no worker will have their wages cut or be worse off because no fair pay agreements were finalised. Secondly Māori Pasifika young people and women will not be harmed or made worse off by the repeal of the fair pay agreements because no fair pay agreement was finalised. The minimum standards in employment law remain including the minimum wage health and safety law and leave entitlements.Camilla Belich: What does she say to the 200000 to 300000 workers who would've benefited from fair pay agreements?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN: No fair pay agreements had been finalised. All bargaining was in very early stages and everybody can be certain that their current entitlements remain.Cameron Luxton: What other plans does the Minister have to increase flexibility in the labour market?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN: Next week I will be introducing a bill to the House to expand access to 90-day trials to employers. Whether a business has two or 200 employees bringing on any new employee costs time it costs money and it is in the best interests of any business to find the right fit. Expanding access to 90-day trials will give workers access to new opportunities they would otherwise not have. They allow employers to employ someone who might not tick all the boxes but a person who might have the right attitude. By delivering on this Government's commitment to extend the availability of 90-day trials this Government will give all businesses greater confidence to employ more Kiwis.