Many cases that reach the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court could have been avoided if the employer representatives had been aware of fundamental employment law principles. Organisations can save the significant costs of litigation — both financial and time-related — by investing in targeted training for managers.
Kiely Thompson Caisley has considerable experience in developing and implementing training initiatives. We are able to deliver a range of seminars and workshops to meet specific developmental needs. We have a number of experienced presenters, all of whom have an in-depth knowledge of employment and industrial relations law.
Your people will not only receive the benefit of our firm`s considerable legal experience, they will also receive practical and innovative advice that can immediately be applied in the workplace.
Below is a list of seminars and workshops that are available. Each session can be moulded to ensure that particular issues relevant to your organisation are addressed.
OVERVIEW OF EMPLOYMENT LAW
This session provides an overview of the fundamental principles of employment law. It is a topic that all managers must understand and we find that the sessions generate numerous questions and debate.
The session is targeted at middle to upper level management who require a working knowledge of employment law without a detailed analysis of particular topics.
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
This session assists managers in dealing with underperforming employees.
This can be one of the most difficult aspects of managing employees and is an area that is often mishandled.
The session is run as a workshop with a focus on providing practical techniques and strategies. There is an emphasis on case studies and participants are given an opportunity to put into practice the techniques discussed.
DEALING WITH UNIONS
A session for managers who deal with unions on an ongoing basis. Often interactions by union representatives are with managers in the workplace rather than with human resources. It is crucial line managers have a broad understanding of what they can and cannot say and do.
The session gives an overview of collective agreements and the rights and obligations of employers when a collective is in place. Key concepts are explained and scenarios considered.
We also discuss union rights (such as rights of access and when union meetings may be held) and give managers practical advice on how to deal with union requests. We consider the importance of developing a working relationship with the union and how that can be achieved.
HOW TO AVOID PERSONAL GRIEVANCES
This session focuses on the processes involved in disciplining and dismissing employees. The session relies heavily on case studies. It covers the reasons why an employer may dismiss and how to go about doing it in a legally secure manner.
Common mistakes are discussed and participants are given practical advice on areas such as how to give warnings, what to say when dismissing someone and dealing with difficult representatives. They leave the seminar with precedents of key letters and far greater confidence when dealing with misconduct or performance related issues.
RECRUITMENT
This session is aimed at managers or HR professionals involved in your organisation`s recruitment process.
The Employment Relations Act has placed new obligations on employers in this area. Concepts such as unfair bargaining, the 30 day rule and new obligations regarding information to be supplied, are explained.
The session also reviews key terms and conditions that should be included in employment agreements and covering letters.
The often-misunderstood Human Rights Act is explained and the requirements of the Privacy Act discussed.
In addition, concepts such as casual employees, fixed term employees, probationary periods and the use of contractors are considered if they are relevant to your organisation.
HEALTH & SAFETY
It is absolutely critical that every organisation understands and complies with its health and safety obligations. This session is aimed at those managers who have a role to play in heath and safety. The very fact that you have provided training to your people in this area can influence your potential liability under the Act.
The session summarises an employer`s obligations in this area: What minimum obligations do you have? What happens when an accident occurs? How should you deal with labour inspectors?
In addition, the changes to the health and safety legislation are explained, including what processes should be in place to deal with stress and fatigue.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING HINTS AND TIPS
This session is aimed at those managers who are involved in the collective bargaining process. Usually it involves the lead team and the particular negotiators.
Our firm has extensive experience in the negotiation of collective agreements and in the strategies that are most effective in achieving successful outcomes. Experienced presenters take participants through the entire process, from the initiation of bargaining to ratification.
The session focuses on the requirements of the process and on strategies that can be employed in different circumstances. Invaluable practical hints and tips are discussed that give participants the edge at the bargaining table.
