The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Labour and Consumer inspectorate will begin offering Workplace Induction sessions at the end of this month, to help employers and employees better understand their rights in the Cook Islands.

The sessions, which are part of the ongoing service and delivery of the Labour and Consumer Inspectorate, aims to prevent, improve and address any unfair working conditions in the country, with a particular focus on the ongoing exploitation of workers.

The first session is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, August 31, with all future sessions to be held on every last Wednesday of the month.

In a statement released by Internal Affairs (INTAFF) on Monday, they said: “All are welcome to attend the sessions at the Ministry of Internal Affairs conference room from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the morning.”

“For Pa Enua stakeholders, a respective INTAFF officer will relay the induction sessions as requested by the community.”

According to Internal Affairs, knowing more about the working rights and obligations of employees and employers helps people work together better, and improves working environments and relationships.

“By attending one of our induction sessions, employers can also better prepare their contracts and policies for their business, as a preventative way to avoid employment disputes,” they said.

“Employees learn their rights and obligations, understand their contracts, raise their concerns and clarify any misunderstandings.”

Not only does the workshop assist businesses and workers to understand and follow employment laws, but according to INTAFF, it will also provide guidance on how to keep a workplace environment healthy and safe.

In addition, the inspectors will clarify the obligations and rights around the provision of services and goods following the consumer and fair trading laws, while raising awareness on how to address workers’ compensation claims for workplace-related injuries and illness.

For more information on the workshops, employers and employees are encouraged to contact the Labour and Consumer Services at the Ministry of Internal Affairs on 29370.