Schedule 3 – Resolving Employment
Relationship Problems
If any employment relationship problem arises, you should discuss the issue directly with the Chairman of the Board, or, if this is not appropriate, Director of the Board. The Employer believes that it is in everyone’s interests if problems are addressed as soon as possible and to this end it would like the opportunity to correct the situation.
An employment relationship problem includes a problem that may exist between an employer and employee. Employment relationship problems may be:
| (b) | a dispute about the application, interpretation or operation of the employment agreement; or |
| (c) | any other problem arising out of or relating to the employment relationship. |
You must notify the Employer if you intend to pursue a personal grievance claim against the Employer. This must be done within 90 days from the date of the act that caused the personal grievance. If you are not aware of when the act took place, the period begins from when the matter came to your attention.
If the problem is not sorted out in discussions between the Employer and you, it may then be referred to mediation. Mediation is provided by the Mediation Service. To mediate an employment relationship problem, either the Employer or you may contact an office of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
If the employment relationship problem cannot be resolved in mediation, it may be referred by either party to the Employment Relations Authority. The Authority is the body established by the Act to resolve employment relationship problems. The Authority has the power to make a decision to resolve the problem.
If either party is unhappy with the Authority’s decision, it may appeal to the Employment Court within 28 days of the Authority’s decision. The Employment Court will hear the parties and then make a decision about the employment relationship problem.
If you require further details of the services available to resolve employment relationship problems you should contact the Ministry of Business, Innovation or Employment or refer to the relevant provisions in the Act.
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