Skip to content
+682 29370[email protected]
Search:
Facebook page opens in new windowYouTube page opens in new window
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Te Tango Ropianga
Ministry of Internal AffairsMinistry of Internal Affairs
  • Home
  • Employment
  • COVID19 Support
    • MIGRANT WORKERS
    • WORKERS
      • Employment Services
      • Unemployment Benefit
      • Migrant Workers
    • BUSINESSES
      • Self Isolation Support
      • Wage Subsidy
      • Training Subsidy
    • FAMILY, ELDERLY & CHILDREN
      • One Off Welfare Support
      • School Closure Support
  • Welfare Benefits
  • Social Policy
    • Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Project
    • Social Impact Funds
  • Labour and Employment
    • Starting Employment
    • During Employment
    • Ending Employment
    • Fair and Decent Workplace practices ​
    • STEPNZ program
    • Social Dialogue and Tripartism
    • Tools and Ressources
    • COVID19 response and recovery
  • Consumer Services
  • Forms, Fact Sheets & Policies
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Employment
  • COVID19 Support
    • MIGRANT WORKERS
    • WORKERS
      • Employment Services
      • Unemployment Benefit
      • Migrant Workers
    • BUSINESSES
      • Self Isolation Support
      • Wage Subsidy
      • Training Subsidy
    • FAMILY, ELDERLY & CHILDREN
      • One Off Welfare Support
      • School Closure Support
  • Welfare Benefits
  • Social Policy
    • Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Project
    • Social Impact Funds
  • Labour and Employment
    • Starting Employment
    • During Employment
    • Ending Employment
    • Fair and Decent Workplace practices ​
    • STEPNZ program
    • Social Dialogue and Tripartism
    • Tools and Ressources
    • COVID19 response and recovery
  • Consumer Services
  • Forms, Fact Sheets & Policies
  • Contact

Managing work places during COVID-19. Response and Recovery

You are here:
  1. Home
  2. Labour
  3. Managing work places during COVID-19.…
Sep242020
LabourMedia releaselabour&consumer logo

During COVID 19, working conditions have changed for a lot of businesses and their employees. The Labour and Consumer Services issued a guideline back in March 2020 to assist workplaces on how to navigate the changes in good faith and by respecting the normal employment obligations and rights.

As we enter the seventh month in this difficult reality, we continue to receive queries and complaints in regards to the violation of minimum employment rights and obligations. As a reminder to all, the regular employment law still applies to all employment relationships, despite the circumstances we find ourselves in. Essential aspects that are still causing disputes and misunderstandings in the workplace include :

  • Absence of an agreement, preferably in writing, for every employee, that needs to be changed as the situation changes. It is crucial to keep these agreements up to date to avoid misunderstandings, especially when changes to hours of work, rate of pay and job descriptions occur.
  • Absence of consultation and participation of employees in negotiating the changes in the employment agreement.
  • Continued violation of the ERA 2012 minimum terms and conditions, such as the absence of payslips, unlawful deductions, violation of leave entitlements and pay.

Dealing with each other in good faith is more important than ever. Parties must not act in a misleading or deceptive way with each other. More than ever, parties need to be responsive and communicative, treating each other fairly and respectfully. Disputes and grievances affect the workplace in many ways, be it financially or emotionally. COVID19 economic stimulation and recovery can be supported by encouraging best and fair workplace practices. Let us all do our part.

We continue to offer our support to all businesses and encourage the sharing of best practices.

For any queries, kindly contact the Labour and Consumer Services, 29370 or [email protected]

Categories: Labour, Media releaseSeptember 24, 2020

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:Press release: 2019 New Minimum Wage in forceNextNext post:Launch of the Labour Force Survey Report

Related posts

labour&consumer logo
2022 Minimum Wage Rate Review
Report for the Cook Islands

June 8, 2022
COOK ISLANDS NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY 2021-2026
May 5, 2021
labour&consumer logo
2021 Minimum Wage Review
February 10, 2021
labour&consumer logo
2021 Minimum Wage Review has started!
February 8, 2021
labour&consumer logo
Latest update: Do you want to know more about the ongoing Workplace Health and Safety reform?
January 26, 2021
Launch of the Labour Force Survey Report
November 25, 2020
Wokers – COVID19 SUPPORT
  • Unemployment Benefit
  • Employment Services
  • Migrant Workers Registration
Businesses – COVID19 SUPPORT
  • Self Isolation Support
  • Wage Subsidy
  • Training Subsidy
Family, Elderly & Children – COVID19 SUPPORT
  • One off welfare support
  • School Closure Support
Powered by
Ministry of Internal Affairs
© 2020 Cook Islands Ministry of Internal Affairs