Flexible work needed to balance work and life demands

“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.

“We need laws that take account for our responsibilities outside of our employment, and flexible working arrangements can be part of the solution,” Carol Beaumont said. “Legislation isn’t the only answer, but it does create a climate and culture of acceptance about the need for employer openness to requests - as well as a transparent process for employers to refuse requests.”

“Unions have an important role in making sure workers understand the law change, and the CTU will tomorrow launch a new leaflet for workers explaining flexible work, at a Coalition for Quality Flexible Work celebration breakfast in Wellington tomorrow.”

“Our message to workers not covered by the law will be to ask anyway, as many employers may consider their request for a change in working arrangements. And when the Act is reviewed in two years time we will be arguing for its extension to cover all workers.”

“We were proud to campaign in support of the Bill put forward by the Green’s Sue Kedgley alongside a group of more than 50 other organisations in the Coalition for Quality Flexible Work. And we also acknowledge the Labour, NZ First Maori, United Future and Progressive parties and the two independent MPs for supporting this law change.”