SUBMISSION: TO THE TRANSPORT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS (BREAKS AND INFANT FEEDING) AMENDMENT BILL
Introduction:
This submission is from the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW). It should be noted that the views expressed in this submission are those of the non-governmental appointees to NACEW. This submission should not be taken as representing the views of the Minister of Labour, or any government department.
NACEW does not wish to appear before the committee to speak to this submission. Should the Committee wish to contact NACEW, the contact details are as follows: Verity de Joux, Executive Officer, NACEW, c/- Department of Labour, PO Box 3705, Wellington, Ph 04 915 4059, e-mail: verity.dejoux@dol.govt.nz.
NACEW is an independent advisory body to the Minister of Labour on matters related to women and employment, and is charged with the following responsibilities:
- to advise the Minister of Labour on matters referred by him/her concerning the employment of women;
- to express views and make recommendations as appropriate to the Minister of Labour on matters relating to the employment of women;
- to make representations or submissions as appropriate to public bodies such as Commissions of Enquiry, subject to the approval of the Minister;
- to promote the dissemination of information on the employment of women in New Zealand and overseas.
The Council's membership currently comprises eight members (including a chair) appointed by the Minister of Labour, together with representatives of Business New Zealand and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. Representatives of key government agencies relevant to the employment of women also attend NACEW meetings.
Comment
NACEW supports the intent of the Bill given that our purview is the employment of women and that NACEW has an interest in policies and initiatives that enable women to better reconcile their work and caring responsibilities.
The Bill will assist women to manage breastfeeding while working if they choose to do so, and provide women with improved choice in deciding how they combine their work and caring responsibilities.
Pauline A Winter
Chair
National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women
