Wayne Mapp
National Party Industrial Relations Spokesman

27 October 2006

Mapp seeks to amend 90-day bill

National's Industrial Relations spokesman, Wayne Mapp, is seeking to amend his Member's Bill to address concerns raised by submitters to the select committee process.

The bill, which would lead to the introduction of a probationary period for new employees, is scheduled to have its second reading next month.

Dr Mapp's proposed amendments would ensure that:

* All employment agreements operate under good faith provisions from the commencement of the agreement.

* All other issues arising from employment amendments such as pay arrears, holiday pay, and sexual harassment complaints have existing remedies under the Employment Relations Act.

* An employee can now have recourse to mediation if the employment is terminated within the probationary period. This would be a single option, not subject to appeal.

* The probationary period for employment contracts which are six months or less be shortened to 30 days.

* Although either party may terminate the employment at any time during the probationary period, the amendments mean that the termination will only apply from the next pay period.

Dr Mapp says he anticipates increased support for the bill in light of the amendments.

"These amendments protect the intent of the bill but make accommodation for the valid concerns of interested parties voiced during the select committee process."

ENDS

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