Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention, 1921 (No. 14) - New Zealand (Ratification: 1938)

The Committee notes the observation of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU), that under section 172 of the Labour Relations Act of 1987 the parties to an award or agreement may agree to set a maximum number of hours of work per week in excess of 40, including work on Saturday or Sunday. The NZCTU does not believe that the Convention's obligations are met when workers' protection is open to negotiation and when they are being asked by employers to trade off the principle of weekly rest for basic standard of living provisions.

The Committee would be glad if the Government would communicate its own views on this matter, and in particular indicate the practical effect of section 172(2)(a) and (3), having regard to the requirements of the Convention.

The Government is asked to report in detail for the period ending 30 June 1991.