Your basic rights at work

Every employee in New Zealand has rights guaranteed by law. It's vital to understand what those rights are, and know what you can do when you feel they are being ignored or violated.

You can write a letter to the boss or join with your fellow workers in taking action at work. If you need to have a meeting with the boss, make sure you're well prepared.

If you are a Together member, you can ring 0800 MY UNION for free advice on problems and misunderstandings at work. 

Here's a quick guide to your basic rights:

Taking time off work
There are many valid reasons for taking time off, including sick leave, attending a funeral or tangi, and public holidays. Find out more about your rights around taking leave.

Employment contracts
Make sure you understand your rights to an employment agreement or contract.

Dismissal within 90 days
An employer can hire you on a trial period and fire you within 90 days. Find out how you can protect yourself.

Warnings and suspensions
If you've been given an official warning or suspended from work, you need to understand how this will affect your position at work. Find out more about warnings and your rights under suspension.

Disciplinary meetings
If you've been called to a disciplinary meeting, you need to know your rights. Find out more.

Bullying, harassment and discrimination
Employers are required by law to provide a workplace that's free of from all kinds of bullying and discrimination. Find out more about what you can do if this is a problem.

Wage deductions
Employers are only allowed to take money from your wages under certain circumstances:

• With your written consent.
• For overpayments where you have been absent from work without their authority, or you have been on strike, locked-out or suspended. Your employer must tell you before deducting any money and then make the deduction within two months of telling you.
• Under direction of a Court.
• For income tax, child support or other statutory purposes.

KiwiSaver
Make sure you understand your rights around Kiwisaver deductions and get all the money that is due to you. This video explains how it works

Part-time or casual workers
An employer can offer fixed-term employment if there is a genuine reason for doing so, such as seasonal, project, temping work or where the employee is covering for a permanent worker on leave. Prior to hiring the worker, the employer must advise the worker of the reasons and how or when the employment will end. 

This video explains the differences between full-time and part-time or casual workers.