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156: Employment Relations Authority
or “A special group that helps solve problems between workers and bosses”
You could also call this:

“The Authority looks into and solves work problems by finding out what happened and making fair decisions.”

The Employment Relations Authority is a group that helps solve problems between employers and employees. Their job is to find out what happened and make decisions based on the facts. They don’t worry too much about small technical details.

When the Authority does its job, it needs to follow some important rules. They must be fair to everyone involved. They should try to encourage people to act in good faith, which means being honest and respectful. The Authority also wants to help create good relationships between employers and employees. Overall, they work to make the Employment Relations Act work well.

The Authority needs to do what they think is right and fair. However, they can’t do anything that goes against the Employment Relations Act, any rules made under this Act, or the agreement between the employer and employee.

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Next up: 158: Lodging of applications

or “Explains how to start a case with the Employment Relations Authority by filling out a special form”
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Part 10 Institutions
Employment Relations Authority

157Role of Authority

  1. The Authority is an investigative body that has the role of resolving employment relationship problems by establishing the facts and making a determination according to the substantial merits of the case, without regard to technicalities.

  2. The Authority must, in carrying out its role,—

  3. comply with the principles of natural justice; and
    1. aim to promote good faith behaviour; and
      1. support successful employment relationships; and
        1. generally further the object of this Act.

          1. Repealed

          2. The Authority must act as it thinks fit in equity and good conscience, but may not do anything that is inconsistent with—

          3. this Act; or
            1. any regulations made under this Act; or
              1. the relevant employment agreement.

                Notes
                • Section 157(2A): repealed, on , by section 26 of the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 125).
                • Section 157(3): substituted, on , by section 26 of the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 125).