The decision of "Jacs Hardware & Timber Limited v First Union Inc." is the first time the Employment Relations Authority has fixed the provisions of a collective agreement being bargained for. From May 6, pay rates (and how those rates may increase) must be included in a collective agreement. However, genuine reasons do not include opposition or objection in principle to including rates of wages or salary in a collective agreement. In July 2016 the Employment Relations Authority conducted facilitated bargaining but agreement was not reached. The Employment Relations Authority determination was delivered in January 2018.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 24, 2019 16:31 UTC