Govt reveals overhaul of employment laws Fri, 7 May 2021, 2:49PM
Workplace Relations Minister Michael Wood announced Cabinet s decisions on fair pay agreements, saying legislation could be passed next year. (Photo / Alex Burton)
Govt reveals overhaul of employment laws Fri, 7 May 2021, 2:49PM
The Government has released its decisions on how unions and employers would interact to set fair pay agreements, which would represent the biggest shift in industrial relations since the early 1990s.
A key manifesto pledge of the Labour Party in 2017, the agreements would aim to standardise and improve terms and conditions across entire industries or occupations. Labour says the agreements have significant similarities to Australia s modern awards system.
One in 10 workers could trigger fair pay agreement process, in step towards collective bargaining
7 May, 2021 01:00 AM
6 minutes to read
Workplace Relations Minister Michael Wood announced Cabinet s decisions on fair pay agreements, saying legislation could be passed next year. Photo / Alex Burton
Workplace Relations Minister Michael Wood announced Cabinet s decisions on fair pay agreements, saying legislation could be passed next year. Photo / Alex Burton
The Government has released its decisions on how unions and employers would interact to set fair pay agreements, which would represent the biggest shift in industrial relations since the early 1990s.
A key manifesto pledge of the Labour Party in 2017, the agreements would aim to standardise and improve terms and conditions across entire industries or occupations. Labour says the agreements have significant similarities to Australia s modern awards system.
The Government is drafting legislation, which will be introduced later this year, and is expected to pass in 2022.
When it comes into force, any union will be able to initiate the FPA process as long as they can demonstrate support from either 10 percent or 1000 employees in the proposed industry or occupation.
FPAs can also be initiated via a public interest test in an industry or occupation where employment issues exist, such as low pay or limited bargaining power.
All employees will be covered by FPAs, even if they aren t already part of a union.
Both employees and employers covered by a proposed FPA will be able to participate in the process. In the case of employers, there will be a small weighting towards small businesses to ensure they have appropriate voice in the process.