Rotorua support for labour law reforms

Unions have slated controversial new labour laws but the local chamber of commerce believes the measures will promote "positive change" for Rotorua employment relations.

The Government has unveiled a suite of employment reforms under the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, changing rules around smoko break entitlements and allowing employers to opt out of collective bargaining.

Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said the changes made it easier for employers to pay workers less.

"The bill weakens collective bargaining and will exclude new employees from collective coverage at the time they are most vulnerable - when they start a new job. Employers can favour individual agreements and refuse to conclude a collective agreement."

However, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Roger Gordon said the chamber supported the bill, and he was unsure if there'd be any major impact on employment relations in Rotorua.

"I support the extension of greater flexibility in work arrangements, this can be to the advantage of both the employer and employee as business and/or personal circumstances dictate.

"Some of the other changes relate to enabling personal choice in terms of coverage by organised labour groups, and I think that is a positive change."

Mr Gordon said he was not aware of many cases of industrial action, partial strikes or lock outs recently in Rotorua, but saw clarifying notice around strike action and pay as a positive way of addressing conflicts that can "add fuel to heated negotiations".

Introducing the bill on Friday, Labour Minister Simon Bridges said the Government would fast-track employment disputes by placing a three-month timeframe on cases before the Employment Relations Authority.

Other changes include extending flexible working arrangements to any employee, not just caregivers.

Employees will also be able to ask for flexible work arrangements from the start of their employment, removing the current six-month threshold.

Labour's spokeswoman for labour issues, Darien Fenton, said the changes could not have come at a worse time for workers who were already struggling

"The New Zealand labour market needs hands-on policies that help create decent work and fairness, not this return to failed policies of the past."

Other proposals in the bill include allowing up to 10 per cent of pay to be docked when workers refuse to carry out duties in protest at conditions, and the end of employees having to be covered by a collective agreement for their first 30 days in a new job.

About 13 per cent of New Zealand workers are covered by a collective agreement - 9 per cent of private sector workers and 58 per cent in the public sector. Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O'Reilly said the changes would allow more flexibility and certainty for businesses, allowing for more growth and job creation.

Changes to the Employment Relations Act include:

Employers could cut pay in the case of partial strike action

An option to opt out of multi-employer agreements

Removing the requirement on employers and workers to conclude a collective agreement

Removing the 30-day rule that forces non-union members to take union terms and conditions