Federated Farmers' Employment Relations Seminars are proving very popular with farmers. The first three meetings - in Te Awamutu, Paengaroa, and Morrinsville - have attracted over 230 farmers.

The federation is holding 36 seminars across New Zealand to explain the impact of the new Employment Relations Act to farmers. Attendees receive advice on what their obligations are under the new Act.

The seminars are run by two of Federated Farmers' employment law experts, Project Manager Bruce Cottrill, and Legal Advisor Mike Smith.

"The response has been greater than anticipated, which demonstrates that farmers want to know how the Act will affect their businesses and how to be good employers under their new legal obligations," said Mr Cottrill.

"Farm employment can be very difficult to manage because of the close working and living relationships, so thinking farmers obviously want to find good information, in a form that is tailored to their industry."

"The Act's focus, and the debate surrounding it, has been on collective urban employment conditions, and I suspect that other information and seminars about the Act are also aimed at urban or large employers. The federation has used its farming knowledge and experience to design these seminars specifically for farmers."

"Federated Farmers has always worked hard to be New Zealand's best on-farm employment advisor, and this seminar series is continuing that tradition," he concluded.

Federated Farmers Draft Employment Contracts and employment information packs have been updated to reflect the new law.

ENDS For further information: Bruce Cottrill 025-426-101 Tony St. Clair 025-837-712

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