Business leaders are backing changes to the Employment Relations Act aimed at improving labour market flexibility, but the Public Service Association says the changes are "radical" and warns it will amount to less secure employment.
"I'm announcing the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament, marking a key milestone in this government's efforts to help New Zealand businesses employ or contract with confidence and create more and better opportunities for workers," Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said on Tuesday.
The bill looks to change the distinction between "employment" and "contracting".
It also aims to simplify the personal grievances process to reduce "rewards for bad behaviour and reduce costs for businesses", van Velden said.
BusinessNZ director of advocacy Catherine Beard said the bill should provide more certainty, particularly around contract-based work.
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The morning's headlines in 90 seconds including disposable vape ban, Auckland Airport meth find, and why Europe hates tourists right now. (Source: 1News)
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