The government’s announcement this week seeking public feedback on New Zealand’s employment dispute resolution system is a significant win for EMA members – and a clear vindication of the EMA’s research and advocacy on this issue.
On Tuesday, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Hon Brooke van Velden announced a public engagement process focused on how employment disputes operate in practice, including the conduct and role of employment advocates, the time and cost of disputes, and opportunities to improve the system overall.
These are precisely the concerns raised by EMA members and captured in our EMA member survey earlier this year.
In March, the EMA released findings showing that the current system is too slow, too costly, and increasingly distorted by the actions of unregulated employment advocates.
The EMA formally presented these findings to the Minister, calling for urgent reform of the dispute resolution process and proper regulation of employment advocates.
The Minister’s decision to publicly acknowledge these same problems and seek input on solutions reflects the strength of the evidence put forward by EMA and its members.
For employers, this is an important step toward a dispute resolution system that is faster, fairer, and more focused on early, practical resolution, rather than unnecessary escalation. A system that works better supports business confidence, job growth, and productive workplaces.
This consultation is also a critical opportunity for EMA members to ensure their real‑world experiences are heard. The Government is now actively asking for feedback on exactly the issues employers have been raising for years.
We strongly encourage EMA members to take part in the engagement process and make a submission outlining how the current system affects your business, and what changes are needed.
Submissions are open on the MBIE website until 31 July.
Have your say: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-on-the-employment-dispute-system
EMA will continue to advocate for practical reforms that restore balance to the system and deliver better outcomes for employers and employees alike.