Employment Relations Act amendments

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2013 was passed on 30 October 2014. It will come into effect on 4 March 2015 (being 4 months after being given Royal Assent).

The changes should increase flexibility and choice for employers in a collective bargaining setting and in dealing with industrial action generally. The changes also aim to provide flexibility in determining when rest and meal breaks can be taken that reflect the needs of the employer's business and available resources.

Now is a good time for employers to review employment agreements and policy documents that may be impacted upon by the amendments to the Act.

Key changes being introduced are as follows:

Collective bargaining