Knowledge is power!
People in the union movement have campaigned for decades to ensure your rights at work are protected by law. Knowing your rights and responsibilities means you and your colleauges can be sure you get a fair go.
Frequently Asked Questions
For common questions about your rights click here.
Laws that may affect you
Parental Leave
As of 1 December 2005, the Government has extended paid parental leave from 13 to 14 weeks of paid leave so that New Zealand is now compliant with the International Labour Organisation's maternity leave convention.
Download NZEI's brochure on Paid Parental Leave
If you're expecting a baby or plan to adopt, you may be entitled to 14 weeks paid parental leave if you have worked an average of at least 10 hours a week for the same employer for six months or more. There is also a new entitlement to one week's unpaid partner's/paternity leave for employees who have worked for the same employer for on average 10 hours or more a week for the last six months.
Contact the Department of Labour Info-Line on 0800 800 863 or visit their website www.ers.dol.govt.nz for more information.
Full text of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Act December 2004.
Employment Law
The Employment Relations Act 2000 rolled back many negative provisions of the National Government's Employment Contracts Act. It calls on employees, unions and employers to meet "good faith" obligations in all employment relationships. It guarantees unions access to workplaces and gives you the right to be in a collective agreement. It entitles you to two paid union meetings a year and funds employment related education leave. Read an assessment of the ERA in practice by NZCTU President Ross Wilson.
Read the full text of the ERA and other employment laws here.
Health and Safety
Laws that may affect you
All schools and centres are required to have a designated first aider, and all education staff need to be aware of health and safety obligations at work. You can read an NZEI guide to basic first aid requirements for schools and the role of the designated first aider or access the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
The Council of Trade Unions provides valuable resources on workplace health and safety issues particularly for workplace H&S reps. Read the latest news and "Unions Talking Health and Safety" newsletters here.
The CTU also has an advocacy service for those suffering workplace injuries.
Privacy Act
Read about your rights under the Privacy Act.
Smoke Free Environment
Laws that may affect you
You are entitled to work in a smoke-free environment and to protect yourself from passive smoking. Read The Smokefree Environment Act.
Human Rights
Access to free quality public education is a basic human right for all children. Human rights legislation also affects you in the workplace. To read more about NZEI's role in building schools as human rights communities, click here. Other useful sites include www.hrc.co.nz for resources and the PPTA School Anti-Violence Tool Kit . Read the Human Rights Act.