Scene One: Why Do We Need an IEA?
Actors:
Ariana, Tu.
Setting:
Naturally Baking Limited – Ariana’s office.
Tu
I’m concerned that at the moment none of your workers has a written employment agreement. You need to do something about it right away.
Ariana
Oh, why’s that Tu?
Tu
It’s important that staff know what their entitlements and responsibilities are, and that you have a record of them. It can save arguments later.
But it’s also a legal requirement. The ERA says every employee employed after 2 October 2000 must have a written employment agreement. It can be either an individual agreement or a collective agreement. All employment agreements must be in writing.
Ariana
Heavens! How do we do that?
Tu
You’re going to be busy on the web! There’s a great employment agreement builder on the Employment Relations section of the Department of Labour website.
The builder helps you make a draft employment agreement. It shows you which clauses are compulsory, and which voluntary clauses can be included to meet the needs of you and your employees. It shows you the minimum conditions that the employee is entitled to – regardless of their inclusion in their employment agreement. It’s great – check it out. You could also try to get an example employment agreement from within the sector.
Ariana
I’ll tell Dave about the Department of Labour website. He can have a go at making an individual employment agreement.
