New regulations concerning the conduct of industrial action ballots and notice to employers come into effect on September 18th. The new rules result from powers granted under the Employment Relations Act 1999.

Changes affecting preparations for the ballot and how it is conducted apply where the initial notice of intention to ballot is received after 17 September 2000 (i.e. on or after 18 Septemebr 2000), or where the union reasonably believes that the notice will be received by the employer after 17 September 2000.