Recent events plainly demonstrate there is ample room for improving the bargaining processes leading to collective agreements, and the employment law changes announced today will go a long way towards achieving this, says David Lowe, Employment Services Manager for the Employers and Manufacturers Association.

The changes will also re-instate an element of choice for employees who are not members of a union, Mr Lowe said.

“Not everyone wants to belong to a union,” Mr Lowe said.

“Individual employees should have the choice from the outset of starting work on whether they want to join a union; removing the mandatory 30-day union membership rule will reinstate that choice.

“Employers will welcome the removal of the need to conclude a collective agreement. If the parties cannot reach an agreement they should not be bound to put the business at risk, as at present, and keep on negotiating endlessly.

“The law on flexible working hours was designed to enhance or increase work place choices for employees but its effectiveness has been hindered by the bureaucracy required.

“The other measures announced today will also help build confidence in the employment process and therefore help with investment and opportunities for employment.”