Employment amendment aligns with workplace practices

Media statement Thursday, October 30, 2014

New Employment Relations amendment aligns with today's workplace practice

The Employers and Manufacturers Association says the enactment of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill will be good for both employees and employers.

"The new law will help workplaces provide more flexible work arrangements," said Kim Campbell, EMA's Chief Executive.

"It ensures the law is more aligned with what is already common practice in many workplaces.

"For instance, rather than deny employees' meal breaks, it ensures staff can take their meal and tea breaks whenever they agree is the best and safest time.

"It extends the right to request flexible working hours to all workers from day one, not just to caregivers who have been employed for 6 months as at present.

"It helps protect an employee's privacy when a workplace is being restructured.

"On the issues around collective bargaining the amendment will return the Act to its original position where the duty of good faith does not require the parties to conclude a collective agreement and to continue bargaining endlessly if they have reached a deadlock.

"If they fail to agree they can apply to the Employment Relations Authority for bargaining to be declared at an end.

"Business will find the removal of the 30 day rule whereby non-union members have to take union terms and conditions of employment for the first 30 days a small adjustment as they still have to advise employees where collective agreements cover a workforce.

"In all, the adjustments are small and technical by nature.

"But we are confident they help will contribute to business confidence and the sort of flexibility which is important for today's workplaces."

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