24 Jul 2008

National issues industrial relations policy

11:47 am on 24 July 2008

The National Party has issued its industrial relations policy, which includes the ability for employees to cash-in their fourth week of annual leave.

The party has already flagged its policy to give employers the right to dismiss staff after a 90-day probationary period without risking a personal grievance.

Under its policy, National says unions would still be allowed access to workplaces with an employer's consent, which could not be unreasonably withheld.

It would allow employees to bargain collectively without belonging to a union.

National would also appoint a working party to review the Holiday's Act.

But it says rights to sick leave, holidays and health and safety provisions would still apply.

Party leader John Key says he believes employers do not wish to see a return to the Employment Contracts Act, saying that would create more issues than it would resolve.