BIG EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES TO TAKE EFFECT FROM 1 APRIL 2011

6 Key Changes

1. The 90 day trial period will be extended to all businesses, not just those with fewer than 20 employees;
2. Changes will be made in relation to union access to work places;
3. Personal grievance procedures will alter;
4. The roles and powers of labour inspectors will change;
5. The legislation clarifies that communication with employees is permitted during collective bargaining;
6. Reinstatement will no longer be the primary remedy available.

The penalties for non compliance with both the Employment Relations Act and the Holiday’s Act will double from $5,000 to $10,000 for individual employers who default and from $10,000 to $20,000 for companies that are non compliant.