In October 2019, the government released a discussion paper in which you would like to gather feedback on a number of options for designing a fair payment agreement system. The consultation ended on November 27, 2019. The discussion paper states: "The government wants to help workers who perform poorly in the labour market, while ensuring that employers remain competitive, adapt and innovate." The Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is calling for its fair wage discussion paper to be adopted. This model helps you say why you think it would make a difference. Please also encourage others to fill out this form. A discussion paper with feedback from the public on options for the detailed design of a new system that allows workers and employers to negotiate better minimum working conditions for their occupations and sectors. Summary of consultation on the consultation paper on fair wages. The discussion paper asks 98 questions about the development of a system of fair wage agreements, but does not ask the most important question: do we need to introduce mandatory collective bargaining at the sectoral or professional level, as the discussion paper provides? Last year, the Fair Pay Agreement (FPAWG) presented its recommendations to the Minister of Labour Relations and Security on a fair wage system. See the FPAWG report and our summary here here. The government has used these recommendations as the basis for the options it presented in the discussion paper and is now requesting public feedback before making any further decisions. One of the most controversial aspects of the report was that if the parties to the VPA negotiations failed to reach an agreement, it is likely that a public body would be required to set the terms. (Some have noted, with concern, the similarity between this approach and the contracting system prior to 1991).

The discussion paper provides comments on how to manage the dispute resolution process and potential rights of appeal. As noted at the time, the report was only the first step towards FPA legislation and the government indicated that further analysis and consultation would be required prior to the introduction of APV legislation. The discussion paper and the request for feedback are the next step in this process, but it is fair to say that there is still a long way to go before a bill takes shape. In response to the October 2019 Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Employment`s discussion paper, the implementation of the initiative shows that the conditions on which fair wage proposals are based remain profoundly wrong. 1www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/designing-a-fair-pay-agreements-system-discussion-paper/ Regarding the risks associated with fair payment agreements, Roger Partridge said: An APV would be an agreement that would set minimum standards for a specific occupation and sector.