New Zealand Enterprise Bargaining Agreement: Everything You Need to Know
An enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a group of employees. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, hours of work, leave entitlements, and other benefits. In New Zealand, EBA is a common means of collective bargaining between employees and employers. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about the New Zealand Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
What is the New Zealand Enterprise Bargaining Agreement?
The New Zealand Enterprise Bargaining Agreement is an agreement between an employer and employees that establishes the terms and conditions of employment. It is used as a tool for collective bargaining, which allows employees to negotiate with their employers as a group. An EBA is an alternative to individual employment contracts, which can be less beneficial to employees than group bargaining.
What are the Benefits of an EBA in New Zealand?
The benefits of an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement are mainly for the employees. Some of the benefits include:
– Better pay: With an EBA, employees are more likely to receive higher wages than they would with individual contracts. This is because employees can negotiate together as a group, which gives them more bargaining power.
– Working hours: An EBA can also address working hours, including overtime and shift work. This means that employees can negotiate a better work-life balance.
– Leave entitlements: Employees can also negotiate better leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, and bereavement leave.
– Job security: An EBA can include provisions for job security, such as limiting redundancy or outsourcing.
How to Negotiate an EBA in New Zealand?
Negotiating an EBA in New Zealand can be a complex process. The negotiation process involves identifying key issues that need to be addressed and working towards an agreement that benefits both the employer and employees. In order to negotiate an EBA effectively, employees should:
– Identify their priorities: Employees should identify their priorities before negotiations begin. This includes identifying areas where they want to see improvement, such as wages, working hours, and leave entitlements.
– Be prepared: Employees should prepare themselves by doing research on the industry and market conditions. This helps them to understand the employer`s position and negotiate accordingly.
– Work together: Employees should work together as a group to negotiate an EBA. This gives them more bargaining power and helps them to achieve better outcomes.
– Get legal advice: It is recommended to get legal advice to ensure that the EBA is legally binding and fair to both parties.
In conclusion, an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement is an important tool for employees to negotiate better terms and conditions of employment. By working together as a group, employees can achieve better outcomes, including better pay, working hours, leave entitlements, and job security. If you`re considering an EBA, it is recommended to seek legal advice to ensure that the agreement is fair and legally binding.
