Writing to the boss

Sometimes it’s a good idea to write to your employer to make sure you get what you are entitled to. Writing and keeping a copy of your letter or email means there is a paper trail of the dates, facts and issues involved. It also shows your boss that you are serious about getting your rights at work.
 
A letter can be easier and less confronting than a face-to-face meeting. Download the letter below that suits your situation and follow the instructions to make the letter fit your issues. Remember to always keep a copy!
 
How to use these letters
 
Download the relevant letter below and add your details. Send it to your boss with a request for a meeting to discuss it.
 
Form letter if you don’t have a written employment agreement
By law you have the right to be given your employment agreement in writing. However you may feel too shy or embarrassed to insist on being given your employment agreement in writing. Instead you can send a letter to your new employer thanking them for the job offer and outlining your understanding of the pay, hours and what the job involves.
 
There are also a number of minimum conditions that you are entitled to by law, that you could also include in your letter. Then everyone knows what you have been led to expect. If your employer wants to change anything they need to do so straight away otherwise the letter basically becomes the written record of your employment agreement.
Form letter if you don’t have a written employment agreement.doc

Form letter for personal grievances other than dismissal
This letter should be sent for grievances other than dismissal. It must be sent so that the employer receives it within 90 days of the grievance arising (or the member becoming aware of it).
Form letter for personal grievances other than dismissal.doc

Form letter for personal grievances re dismissal
This letter must be sent only if it relates to a dismissal and is sent within 60 days of the date of dismissal. An employer is not obliged to supply written reasons for dismissal if the request is not made within 60 days.
Form letter for personal grievances re dismissal.doc 
 
Form letter re annual leave
Are you having problems agreeing with your boss about taking your annual leave? Or are you having trouble getting your holiday pay? Fill in this letter with your details and then send it to your boss with a request for a meeting to discuss it. 
Form letter re annual leave.doc
 
Form letter re bereavement leave
If you are having problems being paid for bereavement leave. 
Form letter re bereavement leave.doc

Form letter re break times
If you are having problems over break times. 
Form letter re break times.doc
 
Form letter re KiwiSaver
If you are having problems with getting your boss to pay your KiwiSaver deductions.
Form letter re KiwiSaver.doc 
 
Form letter re minimum wage
If you are having problems being paid the minimum wage.  For information on the minimum wage go to http://www.dol.govt.nz/er/pay/minimumwage/index.asp    
Form letter re minimum wage.doc 
 
Form letter re Public Holidays
If you are having problems with time off for public holidays.
Form letter re Public Holidays.doc
 
Form letter re sick leave
If you having problems with time off for sickness. 
Form letter re sick leave.doc