Get the feeling it's election year, anyone? That great political football, employment law and industrial relations, has been tirelessly booted around Parliament this year, sparking significant media attention.
So far this year, changes that have taken effect include compulsory employer Kiwisaver contributions, and flexible working.
Some of these changes undoubtedly have merit. Personally I think the proposals for compulsory rest breaks and breast feeding are a good idea, and most of the other proposals are worth exploring at least.
However, regardless of the merit or otherwise of these changes, you have to wonder whether they are all genuine attempts at reform, or simply publicity stunts. A cynic would say that the Government is unlikely to get all these proposals in place before the election. It might garner a few extra votes in the process of trying, though.
Ironically, the proposal which is among the more likely to make it into the statute books, on current polls, is National's policy on probationary periods.
