December 2018: Some ERA changes already in force
- Union representatives can enter workplaces without employer consent
- No deductions for partial strikes
- Reinstatement (if requested by the employee) is the primary remedy for unjustified dismissal
31 January 2019: Fair Pay Working Group report
- The Fair Pay Agreements Working Group, headed by Rt Hon Jim Bolger ONZ, has made recommendations on fair pay, including bargaining processes, agreements and dispute resolution where there are issues
- The Minister will now review the recommendations and assess the scope and design of a system of bargaining to set minimum terms and conditions of employment across industries
- The model that the Working Group has proposed would facilitate conversations not only about fair wage rates, but about training pathways and opportunities to increase productivity and profit
1 April 2019: Employment protections for domestic violence victims and new minimum wage
Domestic violence changes
- Victims can request short-term (two months or less) variation to employment arrangements to deal with effects of domestic violence
- Employees can request domestic violence leave after six months' continuous employment (up to 10 days paid leave)
- Discrimination against victims is now a prohibited ground of discrimination
Minimum wage change
- New minimum wage of $17.70 per hour
21 April 2019: Easter Sunday
- Don't forget that territorial authorities now set trading rules for Easter Sunday, but employees can refuse to work without repercussions
6 May 2019: Key Employment Relations Act changes
- Only employers with fewer than 20 employees may agree to 90-day trial period
- Minimum rest break and meal break entitlements are prescribed
- Increased protections for unions around membership and activities, including allowing union representatives to do union duties during work hours and employing new employees on same terms as the collective agreement for 30 days
- Changes to restructuring rules, including "vulnerable employees" in restructuring processes apply to all sizes of employers
12 June 2018: Further Employment Relations Act changes
- Tighter protections against discrimination for union membership and involvement
At some point this year
- Holidays Act Review to create clear and transparent rules around holidays and leave
- Further consultation on the proposed Accident Compensation Appeal Tribunal
- Changes to ACC regulations to increase certain ACC payments
- Health and Safety at Work strategy – businesses should review the Government strategy and look to align themselves with its goals
Download article in PDF format
Related articles
- 90 day trial periods – soon to change for some
- Employment Relations Bill introduced – changes to trial periods and more
- Government passes changes to employment relations law
- New domestic violence law – how will this affect employment relationships?
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.