Starting and leaving a job
Negotiating employment agreements, union rights, and how and when jobs can come to an end
What this chapter covers
- Your legal rights as a worker: Where they come from
Protection through your employment agreement and established minimum rights - Different types of employment agreements and arrangements
The different types of employment agreements and arrangements, including individual and collective agreements, fixed-term agreements, and casual employment arrangements - Starting work and negotiating an agreement
Your rights and options when you’re beginning a job, including deciding whether to join a union and signing a collective agreement - Probation and trial periods
The difference between “probation” and a “trial” and what your rights are in these situations - Union rights
What unions are, how they work and the rights of unions and union members - Leaving or losing your job
The different ways a job can come to an end, including resigning, getting fired and being made redundant - Migrants and other vulnerable workers
The rights of migrant workers, and special protections for workers in industries like cleaning and catering where businesses are often restructured - When you’re not an “employee”: Differences between employees, contractors and volunteers
The difference in rights and protections available to employees, independent contractors, employees of labour-hire agencies, and volunteers - Sex workers
How sex work is treated in New Zealand law, including your rights as an employee or an independent contractor, your right to withdraw consent, and information about discrimination and harassment - Where to go for more support
Other information and resources
