Some 2000 metal and manufacturing workers have negotiated a one-off holiday in 2011 to make up for missed public holidays.

Help and training is better than a legislation for 90-day trials and clampdowns on sickies, writes Tapu Misa.

Unions are warning of heated collective contract talks on the horizon.

Andrew Little writes that changes to laws that take away workers' rights are unfair and unjust.

Staff at Auckland's five-star Westin hotel have all been re-employed on new contracts but can be fired at a week's notice.

When the 90 day probationary period Bill was introduced, many people got hot under the collar. There were those that were thrilled.

Employment law changes will swing the balance in favour of bosses and expose workers to easier dismissal, an expert says.

John Key says extending the 90-day trial period is about "giving prospective employees a shot", but the Greens say National is breaking one of its pre-election policies by doing so.

Protesters briefly broke through security cordons at the hotel beside the convention centre where the National Party's annual conference was being held.

Employers are pleased with the 90-day trial period, though workers sometimes feel vulnerable and mistreated, a Department of Labour report shows.

The Labour Party says it will repeal any moves by the Government to widen the 90-day trial scheme under which workers can be fired without comeback.

The Government is planning to allow all businesses to have 90-day trials for new workers and wants to give employers the power to keep unions out of the workplace.

The Government has announced plans to extend the 90 Day Trial scheme to incorporate more workplaces, reports TVNZ.

Waihi gold miners have accused their Australian employer of Victorian work practices by making them take their breaks underground during 11-hour shifts.