Federated Farmers calls for increased flexibility in employment laws

Federated Farmers has today appeared before the Transport and Industrial Relation Select Committee, submitting in favour of more flexible and more balanced employment laws.

“Federated Farmers is not convinced that the legislation, as it currently stands, provides an adequate balance between employers and employees,” says Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers acting employment spokesperson.

“Federated Farmers supports provisions to extend the 90 day trial period to all employers. But we think a further extension of this period would be even more beneficial.

“In Australia, their employment legislation allows for a 12 month period for small businesses, with less than 15 employees and for six months for larger firms. Federated Farmers believes similar legislation in New Zealand would enhance labour market flexibility and have positive benefits for the economy.

“Federated Farmers has previously submitted that the 90 day trial period should be extended to 180 days for small and medium sized businesses, with less than 20 employees.

“The Federation is also concerned that the current Holidays Act is confusing and operates in a restrictive manner for employers that do not operate under standard business hours, such as farmers.

“Therefore we support the proposed amendments, which allow employees to request that up to one week of annual leave is paid out and that allow for the transfer of public holidays.

“Because farming is a 365 day operation, both employers and employees require a range of options to ensure their respective needs are met. It’s promising to see these proposals put forward.

“Federated Farmers is pleased to see that a number of our concerns around employment law are being addressed,” Mr McKenzie concluded.