NZ Customs dismisses unvaccinated employee
The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has rejected an employee’s claims against the Customs Service for terminating her employment because she was not vaccinated against COVID-19. The employee worked at a port facility, having been appointed to a ‘national role’ in October 2020 designed to assist with temporary additional staffing required to manage the risk of COVID-19 reaching New Zealand through the ports.
New bereavement leave for miscarriage and still birth
The Holidays (Bereavement Leave for Miscarriage) Amendment Act 2021 passed by a unanimous vote on 24 March 2021. This new law allows employees to take paid bereavement leave in the event of a miscarriage or stillbirth. The change has been effective from 1 April 2021.
What happens when you get an Employment Agreement wrong?
A good employment relationship is founded on certainty of terms for both the employee and employer. This comes from having a well-drafted employment agreement which clearly sets out the expectations, obligations and entitlements of each party. A well-written agreement can help maintain clear, productive working relationships and can mitigate or even prevent future disputes.
Sick leave entitlement increases 24 July 2021
As of 24 July 2021, the minimum entitlement for paid sick leave will double from 5 to 10 days per year.
When the bubble bursts - Can I be fired if I get stuck in Australia?
The Trans-Tasman bubble opened, paused, opened and is now closed again and New Zealanders have been trying to get home during the 7 day window allowed by the New Zealand government. So from an employment law perspective, what happens if an employee gets stuck in Australia for an indefinite period of time?
