The President of the Cook Islands Workers Association Anthony Turua says the new Employee Relations Act is a great achievement.
The new Act guarantees basic workers' rights, such as freedom of association and discrimination.
New mothers will also be entitled to six weeks' minimum wage under a paid maternity leave scheme for public and private sector employees.
Mr Turua hopes the new changes will attract a stronger workforce when they come into effect next year:
"I think it gives the employer and employee a sense of security and move forward in terms of productivity in their workplace."
Anthony Turua, president of the Cook Islands Workers Association
