Work-Life Balance

In The Unionist this week: National's plans for accident compensation, new work rights to request flexible working arrangements come in to force, the launch of the EPMU's work rights campaign, and economic news this week.

“A new work right for employees with care responsibilities to request flexible working arrangements reflects workers’ increasing need for balance in their lives,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today, ahead of the new flexible work law coming into effect tomorrow.

“The time is right for workers to have the right to request flexible working hours, and provisions passed into law tonight are an excellent step towards building a culture that recognises workers' responsibilities outside of the workplace,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said tonight.

What is it about Sue Kedgley’s Bill introducing a legislative right to request flexible working hours for some workers that is causing so much apparent concern among some in the business lobby? 

“Workplaces of the future need to be proactive in their attitudes towards diversity at work, and the EEO Trust and their annual Awards play an important role in encouraging a healthy attitude to balancing work and life needs,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today. 

“Legislation is needed to send a clear message to workers that it’s okay to put your hand up and request flexible working hours, and that your employer will need to consider that request seriously,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

The revised Flexible Working Hours Bill is an excellent step towards building a culture that recognises workers' responsibilities outside of the workplace, the Council of Trade Unions said today.

“It is very encouraging to see a consensus building that flexible work is important for all New Zealand workers, not just parents of children under five years or with disabilities, as the current Bill before Parliament provides for,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

The Council of Trade Unions is marking International Families Day with a call that all workers should have access to work-life balance solutions, not just the few.