Unions
Employees can choose whether or not to join a union. Unions negotiate collective employment agreements and advocate on behalf of employees.
Fair Pay Agreements
The Fair Pay Agreements system brings together unions and employer associations to bargain for minimum employment terms for all covered employees in an industry or occupation.
- Overview of Fair Pay Agreements
- Quick guides – Understanding Fair Pay Agreements
- Information for bargaining parties
- Your rights as an employee in the Fair Pay Agreement system
- Employer responsibilities and rights in the Fair Pay Agreement process
- Your privacy – information we collect during the Fair Pay Agreement process
Collective agreements
Collective employment agreements are agreements between employers and registered unions that cover employees in the employer’s workplace.
Unable to agree
If parties can’t agree, they have several options to choose from. These include asking for help from Employment Mediation Services or the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).
Strikes and lockouts
Strikes and lockouts can be used as a tool by parties to collective bargaining or for health and safety reasons. Notice must be given of strikes and lockouts.
Work stoppages
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment compiles data annually about work stoppages.
Employment Relations Education leave
A union may allocate paid employment relations education (ERE) leave so members can attend approved courses in employment relations.