Unions and collective bargaining are a significant feature of New Zealand’s employment relations framework. While union density varies across sectors, employers can still face legal and
operational risk if union-related obligations are misunderstood or mishandled.

The Employment Relations Act 2000 (‘the Act’) establishes a framework that protects employee freedom of association, provides for union rights, and prescribes how collective bargaining must
be conducted, among other matters. Employers who fail to comply risk legal challenges, penalties, compliance orders and reputational damage, among other problems.

This guide provides an employer-focused overview of union membership, union rights, union access and representation, collective bargaining obligations and key risk areas for New Zealand employers in terms of this area of employment relations.