Know your rights, workers warned

‘‘There is a lot of great information to help you ... but sometimes it helps to talk about your issue with someone.’’

Employees need to be alert when it comes to rights in the workplace, warn a national organisation.

National Awareness Week for the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) takes place next week.

And with employment issues increasingly under the spotlight, bureau staff are encouraging people to seek help over potential employment pitfalls.

Marlborough Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer Sue Duncan says the Alfred St office is gearedup to help out.

She says by law all employees must have a written employment agreement.

‘‘For example you can’t be paid less than the minimum wage, and once you’ve worked at a place for a while you’re entitled to paid annual leave, sick leave and bereavement leave.

‘‘If your employer wants you to work a 90-day trial, they can only do this if it’s in your written employment agreement and you haven’t worked for them before,’’ she says.

Duncan says while the CAB website has a lot of information, it often helps for people to talk to someone face-to-face.

‘‘There is a lot of great information to help you know your employment rights, but sometimes it helps to talk about your issue with someone,’’ she says.

More than 2600 trained volunteers in about 80 locations across New Zealand offer help and advice to the public.

The free and independent ser- vice exists to help ensure individuals do not suffer through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities or the inability to express their needs.

It first opened its doors in New Zealand in 1970.

Duncan says employees have the right to be aware of their entitlements.

‘‘During the trial period you are still entitled to the minimum employment rights and your employer can’t change your conditions of employment without your agreement.

‘‘Changes need to be recorded on your employment agreement and signed by both of you,’’ she says.

The CAB office is based at 25, Alfred Street, Blenheim and can be contacted on: 03 5784272.

The Citizen’s Advice Awareness Week is being held from March 19 to 25.

For further information visit the Citizens Advice Bureau website at cab.org.nz