Key says National will largely retain the Employment Relations Act

National leader John Key

National has said if it is elected to power it will largely retain the Employment Relations Act (ERA).
 
National leader John Key said his party's industrial relations policy would keep the ERA in place, but introduce a 90 day trial period for firms with fewer than 20 staff.

"Good-faith provisions will still apply, as will rights to sick leave, holidays, and health and safety provisions. Rules of natural justice and human rights legislation will apply. Mediation will be available in disputes, and employers won't be able to hire and fire the same employee every 90 days," Mr Key said.

National has dropped its 2005 policy of restricting union access to work places, but will allow workers to bargain collectively without having to belong to a union.

Mr Key said National would also keep four weeks annual leave, but allow employees to trade the fourth week for cash.

This could only be at the employee's request and could not be raised in negotiations for an agreement.

A National government would also:

* Retain the Mediation Service but ensure it was properly resourced with properly qualified mediators;

* Require the Employment Relations Authority to act judicially in accordance with the principles of natural justice, including the right to be heard, and the right to cross examine before an impartial referee;

* Allow injunctions and important legal questions to be heard in the first instance in the Employment Court, and allow a general right of appeal to the Court of Appeal; and

* Appoint a working party to review the Holidays Act, especially the issue of relevant daily pay.