30 October 2012

Moderate changes to ERA

Proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act will improve but not significantly alter employment processes, says BusinessNZ.

Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says the ‘good faith’ framework of the legislation will remain, with improvements to some of the details on bargaining and contract processes.

“Part 6A of the Act has caused difficulties for companies operating in the cleaning, catering, orderly and laundry industries. Requiring new contract operators to take on any staff working under the previous contract owner has been an unnecessary burden for a number of small businesses, and exempting businesses with fewer than 20 employees from this provision is a common-sense solution.

“Other changes around bargaining will also go some way towards more successful workplace relations.

“Not requiring parties to keep bargaining in circumstances where there is no likelihood of reaching an agreed solution, subject to the decision-making power of the Employment Relations Authority, and removing compulsory sign-up rules in collective agreements will be seen as appropriate changes.

“These and other moderate amendments to the Employment Relations Act should allow for better workplace communication and relations.”

ENDS

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Metservice: Where Will Snow Fall And What To Look Out For

The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Dan Corbett commented,"While snow will be a major issue for those in the South Island, wind and hail will affect many North Island districts."

Snow is expected to fall to sea level, or very near it, from Southland to South Canterbury from late Wednesday into Thursday and Friday. The snow level is expected to rise to 200m from about Christchurch northwards... More>>