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stevemagoo
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The New Zealand public are being warned that their employers have no reason to treat them leniently if they take sick days due to World Cup games.
Bill Hodge, a law professor at Auckland University, made the warning after a union leader had encouraged employers to take a lenient stance with staff coming in late or taking sick days. The comments were made by the leader as most of the All Black games start at around midnight in New Zealand.
Mr Hodge said there is nothing in the Employment Relations Act about workers staying up late to watch sporting events like the World Cup.
His argument stated that larger companies may be able to cope with the absentees or employees working flexible hours but smaller businesses, the heart of the New Zealand business sector, will not be able to cope.
"The small employers have customers coming in at 8.30. They need someone there," Hodge told The New Zealand Herald.
Hodge went on to explain the issue relates to the relationship between the employer and the employee, and whether or not the business can survive without a full staff compliment.
"Does it mean that non-rugby fans carry New Zealand during this period?" Hodge said.
Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said employers need to realise that some workers will be "a little sluggish or some may call in sick" after watching a game of rugby late at night.
"We're saying, 'Just go easy'. People are going to get caught up in the fervour of the thing and we hope employers are more accommodating than they otherwise might be," Mr Little said.
He said it is the national game but conceded some small companies may struggle.
"However difficult it might be, they're just going to have to be accommodating. That doesn't mean to say they have to tolerate out-and-out breaches but people will be enthusiastic," Mr Little said.
Bill Hodge, a law professor at Auckland University, made the warning after a union leader had encouraged employers to take a lenient stance with staff coming in late or taking sick days. The comments were made by the leader as most of the All Black games start at around midnight in New Zealand.
Mr Hodge said there is nothing in the Employment Relations Act about workers staying up late to watch sporting events like the World Cup.
His argument stated that larger companies may be able to cope with the absentees or employees working flexible hours but smaller businesses, the heart of the New Zealand business sector, will not be able to cope.
"The small employers have customers coming in at 8.30. They need someone there," Hodge told The New Zealand Herald.
Hodge went on to explain the issue relates to the relationship between the employer and the employee, and whether or not the business can survive without a full staff compliment.
"Does it mean that non-rugby fans carry New Zealand during this period?" Hodge said.
Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said employers need to realise that some workers will be "a little sluggish or some may call in sick" after watching a game of rugby late at night.
"We're saying, 'Just go easy'. People are going to get caught up in the fervour of the thing and we hope employers are more accommodating than they otherwise might be," Mr Little said.
He said it is the national game but conceded some small companies may struggle.
"However difficult it might be, they're just going to have to be accommodating. That doesn't mean to say they have to tolerate out-and-out breaches but people will be enthusiastic," Mr Little said.