The Employment Relations (Flexible Working Arrangements) Act was passed in Parliment in late 2007. It was brought into place to provide guidelines to both employers and employees in relation to more flexible working arrangements.
The changes in the legislation will come under effect on the first of July 2008. It provides employees with the ability to propose changes to their work environment including the place they work, and the hours and days.
If you have been working with a company for six months, and are responsible for the care of another person such as a child, or elderly parent, you are eligible to request changes. Your request needs to include details of how the outcome will benefit the person you are caring for.
The employer is required to consider your request and firm outlines are currently being written to help guide how they must respond in each situation. There need to be specific grounds for refusal. These may include their need to be open for spefici hours or at a specific place, your length of time under their employ, or your proven need to care for a dependent.
If you dispute the answer you receive from an employer you are able to seek assistance. You can first request a Labour Inspector look into the matter and help advise your employer. If this is unsuccessful you can ask for mediation to resolve the situation. If this does not produce the desired result, you are then able to involve the Employment Relations Authority who will investigate whether you are eligible or the correct process was followed.
If you would like more information about how flexitime may benefit you once you have gained employment in New Zealand, or want more information on the work life balance, you can visit www.dol.govt.nz/worklife