Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (Inc.) News & Articles

Do you use the road - Two of the give way rules are changing

Administrator — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:25:26 GMT

To make our roads safer, two of the give way rules are changing. These changes come into effect at 5am on Sunday 25 March 2012. Until then the current give-way rules apply.

These changes will affect all drivers, riders, pedestrians and cyclists. Make sure you know the new rules so you’ll know what to do.

More information and other resources, such as an online quiz, a video that gives a birds-eye and drivers view of the changes and leaflets in a variety of languages, can be found on www.giveway.govt.nz

GLOBAL RENTAL ALLIANCE

Administrator — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:11:32 GMT

ALEC - Brazilian Rental Association Accepted Into Membership

February 12, 2012 (Moline, Ill.) undefined During their 10^th annual meeting held last week in New Orleans at The Rental Show 2012, the Global Rental Alliance approved Alliance membership of the Associação De Locadoras (ALEC), the Brazilian Rental Association based in São Paulo, Brazil. ALEC was represented at the meeting by its president, Marco Aurélio da Cunha, managing director of Sao Paulo Locadora de Máquinas e Equipamentos, a general equipment rental company with operations in São Paulo, Curitiba and Praia Grande. Mr. Aurélio da Cunha has been active in the Brazilian rental industry for 23 years and recently began his two-year tenure as president of the 20-year old association.

ARA Rental Market Metrics™ was presented at the meeting by John McClelland, ARA Vice President, who addressed the opportunity for worldwide adoption of the performance measures. These metrics are consistent with the objectives of the Global Rental Alliance to provide the opportunity for development of benchmark data among their member rental companies. Member organizations present recognized that implementation of ARA Rental Market Metrics™ by software providers is essential to implementation of the initiative.

The equipment rental economic outlook, technological trends within the industry, safety and regulatory matters, and the GRA International Rental Business Leadership Program, administered by the ARA Foundation, were among the key issues addressed at the meeting.

The purpose of the Global Rental Alliance is to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and to build global understanding of the industry. It is a partnership of rental associations from around the world that meet semi-annually and share information on program initiatives throughout the year. The unity of this group has brought about an increased awareness of overall priorities internationally, adding to the strategic outlook and resources of each association within the Alliance.

All of the Global Rental Alliance members were represented at the meeting, as follows:

· European Rental Association (ERA) represented by Michel Petitjean, secretary general.

· Hire Association Europe (HAE), represented by Stephen Dorricott, chairman; Kevin McGuinness, president; Graham Arundell, managing director; and Terry Douris, past president.

· Hire Association of New Zealand (HIANZ), represented by Bruce Wallace of GI Hire in Pakuranga, Auckland, NZ, on behalf of Phil Tindle, General Manager.

· Hire & Rental Industry Association Ltd., Australia (HRIA), represented by Peter Lancken, GRA representative; and Phil Newby, chief executive officer.

· Canadian Rental Association (CRA), represented by Ed Dwyer, president; and Jeff Campbell, senior vice president.

· American Rental Association (ARA), represented by Ted Cook, chairman of the board; Chris Wehrman, chief executive officer; and Kathy Nicoletto, Global Rental Alliance liaison and special assistant to the CEO.

Representatives of the Alliance joined ARA in welcoming international guests to the International Reception held in their honor at The Rental Show. They were among attendees from over 40 countries throughout the world who traveled to New Orleans to attend the Show. ARA thanks the reception sponsors, Ditch Witch, Doosan Portable Power, EDCO – Equipment Development Co. and Rental Management magazine, for their support.

Pictured (L-R):

Bruce Wallace, HIANZ representative; Ed Dwyer, CRA president; Graham Arundell, HAE managing director; Chris Wehrman, ARA CEO; Phil Newby, HRIA CEO; and Michel Petitjean, ERA secretary general.

About the Global Rental Alliance

The Global Rental Alliance consists of seven independent equipment rental/hire trade associations that have joined together to increase the understanding and concept of rental worldwide. They are: the Hire Association Europe, U.K. (HAE), Hire and Rental Industry Association Ltd., Australia (HRIA); Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ); Associação De Locadoras (ALEC), Brazil; Canadian Rental Association (CRA); European Rental Association (ERA); and American Rental Association (ARA). Each organization has as its members, businesses that rent equipment to the general public and suppliers that manufacture equipment that is a part of the member business rental inventory. While inventories differ somewhat within each country, they essentially include equipment rented to the construction, homeowner, and special event/party industries.

For more information about the Global Rental Alliance or the International Rental Exchange Program, reference the Alliance website at www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com or contact Kathy Nicoletto.

Contact

Kathy Nicoletto, American Rental Association, Global Rental Alliance liaison and special assistant to the CEO (Kathy.Nicoletto@ararental.org; 800-334-2177 or 309-764-2475, ext. 265).

- END -

Australian Hire & Rental Convention - Delegate registrations now open.

Administrator — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:41:40 GMT

The 2012 National HRIA Convention will be held from 1st to 4th May 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The theme for 2012 is "Navigating the Future".

http://www.hireandrental.com.au/

Brazilian Rental Association joins Global Rental Alliance

Administrator — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:24:55 GMT

During its 10th annual meeting held last week in New Orleans at The Rental Show2012 in New Orleans, the Global Rental Alliance approved Alliance membership of the Associação De Locadoras (ALEC), the Brazilian Rental Association based in São Paulo, Brazil.

ALEC was represented at the meeting by its president, Marco Aurélio da Cunha, managing director of São Paulo Locadora de Máquinas e Equipamentos, a general equipment rental company with operations in São Paulo, Curitiba and Praia Grande. Aurélio da Cunha has been active in the Brazilian rental industry for 23 years and recently began his two-year tenure as president of the 20-year old association.

ARA Rental Market Metrics™ was presented at the meeting by John McClelland, vice president for government affairs for the American Rental Association (ARA), who addressed the opportunity for worldwide adoption of the performance measures. These metrics are consistent with the objectives of the Global Rental Alliance to provide the opportunity for development of benchmark data among their member rental companies. Member organizations present recognized that implementation of ARA Rental Market Metrics™ by software providers is essential to implementation of the initiative.

The equipment rental economic outlook, technological trends within the industry, safety and regulatory matters and the GRA International Rental Business Leadership Program, administered by the ARA Foundation, were among the key issues addressed at the meeting.

All of the Global Rental Alliance members were represented at the meeting, as follows:

European Rental Association (ERA) represented by Michel Petitjean, secretary general.
Hire Association Europe (HAE), represented by Stephen Dorricott, chairman; Kevin McGuinness, president; Graham Arundell, managing director; and Terry Douris, past president.
Hire Association of New Zealand (HIANZ), represented by Bruce Wallace of GI Hire in Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand, on behalf of Phil Tindle, general manager.
Hire & Rental Industry Association Ltd., Australia (HRIA), represented by Peter Lancken, GRA representative; and Phil Newby, CEO.
Canadian Rental Association (CRA), represented by Ed Dwyer, president; and Jeff Campbell, senior vice president.
American Rental Association (ARA), represented by Ted Cook, chairman of the board; Chris Wehrman, CEO; and Kathy Nicoletto, Global Rental Alliance liaison and special assistant to the CEO.

Representatives of the Alliance joined ARA in welcoming international guests to the International Reception held in their honor at The Rental Show. They were among attendees from more than 40 countries throughout the world who traveled to New Orleans to attend the show. ARA also thanked the reception sponsors, Ditch Witch, Doosan Portable Power, EDCO – Equipment Development Co. and Rental Managmentmagazine, for their support.

Working at Height Guidelines out for Consultation

Administrator — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:37:32 GMT

The Department of Labour has announced today, that the Best Practice Guidelines for Working at Height are now out for consultation. Here is the link that will take you to the consultation page and the feedback response form.

http://www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/working-at-height/index.asp

The closing date for the consultation process is January 27^th.

HIANZ members can forward any feedback directly to DoL using the forms available, or alternatively contact HIANZ (Inc.) with suggestions for industry submissions.

Changes to Class 1 licence restrictions - effective 1 April 2012

Administrator — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:45:00 GMT

The Right Hon. Steven Joyce, Minister of Transport has recently signed into law, changes to the Class 1 drivers license. Under existing law you may only drive a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4500 kg or less on a car license. Your Gross Laden Weight (GLW) and your Gross Combined Weight (GCW) may not exceed 4500 kg as well.

Most fishermen and campervan owners in NZ were in violation of the law on a daily basis with many exceeding the 4500 kg tolerance. This breach was never really enforced however there was always a black cloud of uncertainty hanging over the class 1 driver.

As of April 1, 2012 you will be able to drive a vehicle with a GVM of 6000 kg or less on a class 1 license. You will also be able to load to the full 6 tons and your GCW may also be 6000 kg or less.

This law change will give the commercial transport operator ability to carry a little more product and hopefully be more productive. The recreational user will no longer have to worry about whether he or she requires a class 2 license to tow the family boat.

The only restriction is on a Class 1 Restricted or Learners license where the driver may not exceed 4500 kg whether it is Gross Laden Weight or Gross Combined Weight

Australia's National Hire Group likely to delist

Administrator — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:48:22 GMT

Written by Murray Pollok - 21 Sep 2011

Seven Group Holdings (SGH), the business owned by Kerry Stokes that has a 66% shareholding in National Hire Group – which owns 47% of Coates Hire – has made a A$3.00-3.60 per share offer to acquire the rest of National Hire and then de-list the company from the Australian stock ex . . .more

ARA Rental Show returns to New Orleans in 2012

Administrator — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:10:33 GMT

As The Rental Show returns to New Orleans for the first time in 10 years, the focus for 2012 is on “new.” In addition to new and innovative products available during the trade show each year, the show will include new and expanded educational opportunities, new events such as an evening at Mardi Gras World and new inspiration from keynote speaker Aron Ralston, the subject of the Academy Award®-nominated film “127 Hours.”

The Rental Show is Feb. 5-8 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Registration is now open, with special discount pricing available for a limited time. With the trade show more than 90 percent sold and hotels filling up quickly, there’s a great enthusiasm about revisiting a place that has put into practice its own new and improved outlook since The Rental Show was last there in 2002.

“It’s fitting that the American Rental Association (ARA) is having a brand-new show in a city that has achieved renewal. ARA will be recognizing the significance of New Orleans’ revitalization during The Rental Show,” said Christine Wehrman, ARA's executive vice president and CEO. “The association’s goal with the upcoming show is to provide an engaging celebration of the rental industry as we move into the pivotal year of 2012. Show attendees will be able to see, learn from and take advantage of everything the industry offers. Most of all, attendees and exhibitors alike can share in a vision for the renewed spirit of rental as we continue to define and build market opportunities much like the spirit attendees will find in New Orleans. It’s definitely a can’t-miss event for all within the industry.”

Here are highlights of The Rental Show 2012.

More educational opportunities, with 30 total seminars on Feb. 5, 7 and 8. New indoor/outdoor half-day product demonstration sessions are included, plus a half-day financial seminar with Steve Abercrombie, the session “Up Close and Personal With Dan Kaplan,” a new town hall session on family business issues and round-table discussions.
The keynote session with Aron Ralston, who will share the account of his remarkable will to survive that was the basis for the movie “127 Hours.” Ralston’s story made headlines worldwide in 2003 when he was pinned by a half-ton boulder for nearly a week while hiking in Utah. He narrowly escaped death by severing his right forearm with a dull pocketknife. After applying a tourniquet, he hiked and rappelled for five hours before searchers in a helicopter miraculously rescued him. Ralston’s personal uplifting story of motivation, inspiration and loving relationships with family and friends to survive and thrive beyond this challenge will captivate you.
New events include Crescent City Carnival on Feb. 7 at Mardi Gras World. A producer of floats, sculptures and props, Mardi Gras World creates most of the parades held for Mardi Gras in New Orleans from concept through completion. ARA’s Crescent City Carnival will feature a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the floats and how they’re created, with live entertainment, networking, food and beverages. Also new for 2012 is An Evening for ARAPAC, an event for ARA’s political action committee on Feb. 6 at the National World War II Museum where invited guests will be able to tour the displays and exhibits.
Returning events include Lunch With ARA, Next Generation Reception and a revamped The Rental Show Golf Tournament on Feb. 5; Regional Receptions on Feb. 6; International Reception and the Reception With a Purpose featuring the ARA Foundation charity auction on Feb. 7.
Three dynamic days of trade show, Feb. 6-8.
Events & Tents on Feb. 4-5, continuing its Saturday/Sunday schedule from 2011 with an industry tour, networking reception, breakfast speaker and focused education including an indoor/outdoor demonstration seminar.

More details on The Rental Show schedule are available on its website, TheRentalShow.com.

Registration is open now for The Rental Show online, with a special $99 Internet-only rate available for ARA members through Oct. 31. The prospective member rate is $199. This includes three days of trade show, all show seminars and the keynote session. In addition, there are special early-bird hotel rates available for a limited time through Travel Planners, ARA’s official housing company.

Online registration and hotel booking also are available at TheRentalShow.com. Questions on any aspect of The Rental Show can be directed to registration@therentalshow.com or 800-334-2177, option 3.

Preparing your workplace for an emergency

Administrator — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:01:48 GMT

All workplaces are required to have procedures in place to effectively manage emergencies that could happen at work. A planned emergency response is required under health and safety legislation to protect all people present in the event of a fire, natural disasters including earthquake, chemical spills, LPG leaks and as well as in the event of someone needing CPR and First Aid. Employers have a legal responsibility to have plans in place in the event of any emergency.

For help with developing effective emergency response plans for your business visit the Department of Labour’s emergency procedures webpage here.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management also has detailed information about how to prepare for an emergency. Check it out here

Reporting for 'Hazardous Work' can be made online.

Administrator — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:53:59 GMT

Notifications of hazardous work can now be completed online, saving time and effort.

Employers and contractors are required by law to notify the Department of Labour if they are planning any hazardous work at least 24 hours before the work starts.

The Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995 define hazardous work as being ‘more than usually dangerous’. This includes any restricted work involving asbestos, and logging and tree-felling work for commercial purposes.

It also includes construction work where workers could fall more than five metres, where explosives are used and where work involves contact with asbestos fibres. More details of hazardous work are listed on the Department’s website.

While fax and email notifications of hazardous work will continue to be accepted, the online system makes it faster and easier for employers and contractors to let the Department know about any hazardous work they’re planning to start.

The likely timeline for reconstruction in Christchurch

Administrator — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:46:47 GMT

The pace and timing of reconstruction activity in Christchurch is a critical component of New Zealand’s economic outlook. A rapid reconstruction boom could lead to high rates of GDP growth and a rapid series of interest rate hikes. A delayed or slower pace of reconstruction could lead to lower GDP growth rates and more modest interest rate hikes..... A very interesting article indeed! Read more>

Who can test and tag electrical appliances and equipment?

Administrator — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:59:55 GMT

A competent person as defined in the Health & Safety Act 1992 must do the testing of your plug-in electrical equipment. This is a person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience, or a combination of these, the knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a task. For the testing of plug-in electrical equipment this means a person who can safely and correctly carry out the inspections and tests described in the relevant joint Australia & NZ Standard, AS/NZS 3760:2010 (including Amendment 1) - In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. The person carrying out the inspections and tests must know what to look at, what to look for and what to do. A full page brief including required competency, training information, testing processes and reference to current standards can be found in the members area tool kit.

Organizations Strive to Promote Rental Industry Worldwide

Administrator — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:36:44 GMT

GLOBAL RENTAL ALLIANCE

Organizations Strive to Promote Rental Industry Worldwide

April 2011 (Moline, Ill.) undefined Technological trends within the industry, safety and regulatory matters, future economic opportunities and the jointly sponsored International Rental Business Leadership Program were among the key issues addressed by representatives from 36 countries during the Global Rental Alliance’s ninth annual meeting held last month in Las Vegas during The Rental Show 2011, the American Rental Association’s convention and trade show.

The purpose of the Global Rental Alliance is to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and to build global understanding of the industry. It is a partnership of seven rental associations throughout the world that meet semi-annually and share information on program initiatives throughout the year. The unity of this group has brought about an increased awareness of overall priorities internationally, adding to the strategic outlook and resources of each association within the Alliance.

Global Rental Alliance representatives present in Las Vegas were:

· Michel Petitjean, secretary general, European Rental Association (ERA)

· Kevin McGuinness, chairman; Terry Douris, president; and Graham Arundell, managing director, Hire Association Europe, U. K. (HAE)

· Tom Kimber, board member, Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ)

· Mark Scarce, national president; Neil Wallis, past president; Peter Lancken, board member; Phil Newby, chief executive officer, Hire & Rental Industry Association Ltd., Australia (HRIA)

· Wayne Beckett, President; Ed Dwyer, senior vice president, Canadian Rental Association (CRA)

· Hal Roe, chairman of the board; Chris Wehrman, chief executive officer; Kathy Nicoletto, special assistant to the CEO, American Rental Association

The annual meeting of the Global Rental Alliance provided the opportunity to:

· Share market trend information among the associations and gather a sense of future economic opportunities for all members. Participating organizations are working to develop global benchmarking data among the associations.

· Review the International Rental Business Leadership Program, administered for the Alliance by the ARA Foundation. Two leadership program job shadows were completed in 2010. Matt Gordon from Centenary Hire in Brisbane, Australia, traveled to Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada, where he participated in a five-week visit hosted by Jim Clipperton of Nor-Val Rental. Brittany Haas of Crown Rental in Rosemount, Minn., spent four weeks at Camden Hire in Camden, Australia, hosted by Mark Scarce. Discussion was held regarding potential opportunities for 2011.

· Discuss technology trends within the industry, safety and regulatory matters, equipment theft and insurance.

Representatives of the Alliance also welcomed international guests from their countries and throughout the world at the International Reception held in their honor during The Rental Show. The reception was sponsored by Doosan Portable Power and Rental Management magazine.

About the Global Rental Alliance

The Global Rental Alliance consists of seven independent equipment rental/hire trade associations that have joined together to increase the understanding and concept of rental worldwide. They include: the Hire Association Europe, U.K. (HAE), Hire and Rental Industry Association Ltd., Australia (HRIA); Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ); DLR, France; Canadian Rental Association (CRA); European Rental Association (ERA); and the American Rental Association (ARA), United States. Each organization has as its members, businesses that rent equipment to the general public and suppliers that manufacture equipment that is a part of the member business rental inventory. While inventories differ somewhat within each country, they essentially include equipment rented to the construction, homeowner, and special event/party industries.

For more information about the Global Rental Alliance or the International Rental Exchange Program, reference the Alliance web site at www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com.

Contact

Kathy Nicoletto, American Rental Association, special assistant to the CEO, Kathy.Nicoletto@ararental.org; 800-334-2177 or 309-764-2475, ext. 265

ARE YOU LOYAL TO YOUR CUSTOMERS? By Martin Grunstein

Administrator — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:42:18 GMT

There is always talk among businesspeople about how price preoccupied and how disloyal customers are these days. Many businesspeople complain that some of their long term customers switch brands or providers when they are offered only a slightly better deal by their competitor. “Where is the customer’s loyalty?” they cry.

Guess what?

I think most businesses are LESS loyal to their customers than their customers are to them!

How often do you see companies offering a special deal to get new customers or win back old customers when very little has been done to nurture the relationship with the existing customers.

One of my workshop participants said “I used to be a loyal customer of XYZ retailer until they started having massive sales advertised in the newspaper. They are offering 30% off to people who have never done business with them before while I have been paying full price the whole time and have never received any recognition from them. They are not very loyal to me so why should I be loyal to them?”

It is very well known that if you approach your telecommunications provider and tell them you have been made an offer by their competition, they will match that price to keep your business. So who are the people on the worst deals? The people who never complain and just continue to do business with that telco. In other words, their truly loyal customers.

Years ago my wife used to subscribe to MARIE CLAIRE magazine and she always used to renew her subscription when she received the first notice from the publisher asking her to do so. One year she forgot to renew her subscription and she received a letter offering her a make up kit if she renewed. She didn’t respond to that offer and a couple of weeks later came an offer of a make up kit and a voucher to be spent at a well known retail store. We decided to see how much they would offer her if she was “disloyal” and didn’t renew until the last minute and she eventually received over $100 worth of goods to renew. Needless to say, in future years she waited till the last minute to renew and got all the goodies.

This is ridiculous but it is the norm in the industry. The less loyal you are, the more we will give you.

Can I propose an alternative that can save money and create loyalty instead of disloyalty? When the loyal customers renew at the first opportunity (which is what the publisher wants), how about sending them a card saying “thank you for renewing, we appreciate your loyalty” and throwing in a make up kit or some other token of appreciation. That way there is an incentive to be loyal rather than to be disloyal and basically, people will do what gets rewarded – works in parenting, works in business.

I say to my clients that instead of yelling at the people who don’t pay, why don’t you reduce bad debts by recognizing the people who do pay? Get your accounts receivable person to identify all the people who have paid their account on time every month and, at the end of the financial year, send out a card saying “I notice you paid your account on time every month this year. Thanks so much for that. You made my job so much easier. I hope you’ll accept this bottle of wine as my way of saying Happy New Financial Year”.

Next year when I have 12 bills to pay each month and I am only going to pay six of them on time, yours will be the first bill I’ll pay on time every month. It’s easy to not pay a computer, it’s hard not to pay a person, it’s almost impossible not to pay a person who thanked you for paying last time. $15 spent on wine could save you $15,000 of bad debts. It all depends where you place the focus.

The word loyalty is bandied about in business with great inaccuracy.

For example, many companies have “loyalty” programmes like FLY BUYS or Frequent Flyer programmes or “Get your 10^th coffee free cards”. Please understand, these are NOT loyalty programmes, they are incentive or, more correctly, bribery programmes. If you spend $17000 on petrol, you can fly to Melbourne. Getting every 10^th coffee free is effectively a 10% discount. How can you tell it’s not a loyalty programme? Because when you take away the programme, the customer often leaves too.

Let me tell you the very important difference between recognition and bribery. It is where it happens in the sales process. Recognition happens AFTER the sale and bribery happens BEFORE the sale.

Let me give you a couple of examples of recognition that are cheaper and more effective than bribery.

My financial planner rang me before Melbourne Cup day a few years ago and said he was having a FREE Melbourne Cup sweep for his best clients to thank them for their business. He told me what horse I drew and that there was a big hamper at the office that would be mine if my horse won.

I didn’t win….but I told about a dozen different people about my financial adviser and I think he picked up a client or two from my recommendation stimulated by the free Melbourne Cup sweep.

He could have run ten Melbourne Cup sweeps for 240 clients and generated ten times the goodwill. And perhaps he did. I don’t know and I don’t care. All I know is that I felt recognised and I was motivated to tell others about him.

One of my clients in the optometry has a friend who owns a book shop. Whenever he sells a pair of reading glasses for the first time, and the frames could be anything from $100 to $1000, he sends out a thank you card and a paperback novel he buys from his friend for $5. The card says “Thanks for buying your glasses from us. We really appreciate your business. I hope you’ll accept this book with my compliments and enjoy reading with your new glasses for the first time.”

The optometrist says he gest lots of word of mouth referrals from the $5 book and those people all pay full price for glasses when they do business with him. What is his competitor doing? BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE which has been decimating profits in the eyecare industry for over 20 years.

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with having an incentive for new customers to do business with you or for existing customers to do more business with you, just don’t call it a LOYALTY programme.

It is important to know that people are loyal to people, not companies or incentive programmes. If you want me to be loyal, remember my name, get to know me and ask me about what’s happening in my life when you see me, give me a call to see how my business is going or give me something that is not linked to me buying from you.

That’s what creates loyalty!

The day telcos or airlines or retail stores start spending more on recognition for their existing customers than they do on bribery for potential new customers, that’s the day we will see more customer loyalty in the marketplace, but not before.

end.

_______________________________________________________________

Martin Grunstein’s outstanding results with over 500 Australiasian companies across over 100 industries has made him this country’s most in-demand speaker on customer service. He is available to speak at your next conference or meeting and is contactable on 0296623322 or martin@martingrunstein.com.au or you can go to www.martingrunstein.com.au.

Does an employment agreement have to be signed?

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:56:19 GMT

Amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2000 mean that from 1 July 2011 employers are required to retain a signed copy of all employment agreements or current signed terms and conditions of employment.

Where an employer has provided an employee with an intended agreement the employer must retain the intended agreement even if the employee has not signed it or agreed to the terms and conditions specified. An intended agreement cannot be treated as the parties' employment agreement if the employee has not signed or not agreed to the terms and conditions.

If the employee does not accept an intended agreement, the employer should enter into good faith negotiations to reach agreement. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the employer should record what happened and the outcome of the negotiations. A copy of the intended agreement must be retained on file along with the current terms and conditions of employment, signed or unsigned.

Employers are required to provide a copy of the agreement on request from their employees.

From July 1 2011, labour inspectors will be able to seek a penalty against an employer who is in breach of legislation relating to employment agreements, including the requirement for all employers to retain a copy of the intended and current employment agreement or terms and conditions of employment, whether signed or unsigned. Employers will be given seven working days notice of to fix the breach. Where the breach is not remedied the inspector can take a penalty action in the Employment Relations Authority. Click here for more information.