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The laws pertaining to hiring and firing, or employment laws, in Whakatane, New Zealand, are in alignment with the nation's employment standards. These norms guarantee employee protection through stipulations on minimum wage, maximum working hours, annual and parental leave, health and safety, and the right to request flexible work arrangements. In terms of termination, employers are required to follow due process, provide grounds for the decision, and adhere to any notice period as agreed in the employment contract.
You may need a lawyer if you are an employer facing claims of unfair dismissal or discrimination, or an employee who believes your rights have been violated such as suspecting wrongful termination or wage theft. Legal consultation may also be required for interpreting complex employment contracts, navigating legal frameworks around restructuring, staff redundancies or understanding your rights during a workplace dispute.
In Whakatane, like the rest of New Zealand, the employment relationship between employers and employees is governed by the Employment Relations Act 2000. It provides a framework for employers and employees to negotiate in good faith with one another. The Minimum Wage Act 1983 sets the minimum wage rates. Wages, annual holidays, public holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave and parental leave are covered under the Holidays Act 2003. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 outlines responsibilities of both employers and employees to ensure workplace safety.
If an employer terminates someone's employment without a fair reason or without following a proper process, it can be considered as unfair dismissal.
The minimum wage rates in Whakatane are determined in accordance with the national laws. As of 2021, the minimum adult hourly wage is NZ$20.00
Yes. If the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court finds that you were unfairly dismissed, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and/or for humiliation, loss of dignity, and injury to feelings.
No, an employer cannot make changes to your contract without your agreement. Changes should be negotiated and agreed upon by both parties.
If you are experiencing harassment or discrimination at work, you should report it to a superior or your Human Resources department. If the issue persists or if you are not satisfied with the resolution, you should seek legal aid.
1. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) - It provides guidance and resources on employment rights and responsibilities. 2. Employment New Zealand - It provides a comprehensive range of information and services for both employers and employees. 3. Community Law - They offer free, confidential legal advice and information.
If you need legal assistance in hiring & firing, it's generally recommended to first contact the HR department if available. If the matter persists or if you feel the HR department cannot or will not help, you should consult with a lawyer experienced in employment laws.
