The input may influence enhancements to operations and legislation
Workplace relations and safety minister Brooke van Velden has opened a public consultation into the employment dispute resolution process.
In particular, van Velden is sourcing feedback regarding experiences with employment advocates, the practical experience of employment disputes and areas of improvement. The consultation seeks to bolster understanding of the entire dispute process from issues settled within the workplace to mediation, the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court.
The consultation runs from today 5 May to 31 July. Feedback may be submitted via the MBIE’s website.
“I am seeking public feedback on employment dispute resolution to understand the root causes of disputes, the barriers within our system, and potential solutions. This feedback will potentially inform improvements to operations, legislation, and the broader system”, van Velden said.
The minister said she launched the consultation as a response to concerns raised about the laborious and expensive disputes process as well as employment advocates’ conduct.
“I have heard concerns about how long employment disputes can take to work through and the costs involved in navigating the process. Lengthy, costly disputes can affect workplace morale and create uncertainty for both employers and employees. When disputes drag on or escalate unnecessarily, they can make it harder for people to move between jobs and for businesses to grow”, van Velden said. “Another concern that I hear about frequently is the behaviour of employment advocates. I’ve heard examples of advocates displaying abusive and unprofessional behaviour and encouraging clients to pursue unfounded cases or seek disproportionate settlements”.
The minister indicated that effective employment dispute resolution was important given the financial expense, time and relationships involved in such disputes.
“This has significant impacts for both individuals and the wider economy, which is why having effective ways to resolve them matters”, van Velden said.
