Talk to your boss first

If you've got a problem about:

• discrimination or harassment
• unfair warnings
• bad health and safety practices
• a disagreement over your contract
• holidays or pay.

Talking to your employer

Help when you meet with your boss

You can take someone with you when you meet with your boss. It could be someone from a union or from the industry you work in.

Find your union

Community law centres offer free legal information and advice to people who can't afford to see a lawyer privately.

If you're eligible, they may also be able to:

• offer ongoing legal assistance
• help you with mediation
• represent you at the Employment Relations Authority or in court.

Find a Community Law centre​​

If you and your boss can't agree

Mediation is free and private. Nothing said here can be used later on if your problem goes to the Employment Relations Authority.

Mediation

If you don’t think you’re getting what you’re entitled to by law (for example, paid holidays or minimum wages) a labour inspector will make sure your work follows employment standards and laws.

Role of labour inspectors​

If your problem still isn't solved

If mediation hasn't worked, you have other options.

You can take a personal grievance against your employer. You have to do this within 90 days from the date the problem happened.​

Personal grievances

When mediation hasn’t worked, you can bring your work problem to the Employment Relations Authority.​

Steps in taking a problem to the Employment Relations Authority

If you’re unhappy with the Employment Relations Authority’s decision, you can ask the Employment Court to take your case. You have to do that within 28 days of the decision.

Apply to the Employment Court