Unions support flexible hours for parents

Proposed legislation allowing flexible working hours for parents of young children has been backed by the Council of Trade Unions (CTU).

Green MP Sue Kedgley's Employment Relations (Flexible Working Hours) Amendment Bill was drawn out of the ballot yesterday. It aims to change workplace culture so employers have a legal duty to consider requests from staff with young children to work reduced, part-time or flexible hours.

Employers would have to demonstrate good reasons to refuse such a request.

CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said the pressure to balance work and family life was a major problem for many workers, especially women.

"Work-life balance is about employment equity for women," she said in a statement.

"It is also a worthwhile investment for employers to attract and keep valuable women workers."

The bill was based on British legislation which Ms Kedgley said had been successful in changing work culture and employers' attitudes.

She believed it would make life better and more enriching for parents and children, and also benefit employers.

"Overseas studies show that family-friendly strategies in the workplace reduce staff turnover and recruitment costs," she said in a statement.

"They also reduce absentee rates and improve morale, employee loyalty and workplace productivity."

- NZPA