Employment relationship

An employment relationship exists when an employee agrees to perform work for an employer under the employer’s direction and supervision.

The key characteristics of an employment relationship are that work is performed on the basis of an employment contract for an employer under the employer’s direction and supervision in return for pay or other remuneration.

Rights and obligations

An employee is entitled to pay in accordance with the collective agreement, trade union organisation, the protection of laws and agreements and a safe working environment. It is the employee’s obligation to perform the work diligently, observing management instructions, abstain from activity that competes with the employer, keep business and professional secrets and observe the employer’s interests.

An employer has the right to direct work, hire employees and terminate an employment contract. An employer must comply with laws and agreements, treat employees equally, ensure safety at work, provide the employee with a written explanation of the conditions of the employment relationship and promote a good working environment and the employee’s job performance and professional development.