The NZCTU recognises that workers’ rights are human rights and is committed to supporting working people in Aotearoa New Zealand in their fight for economic and social justice.
A major issue faced by working people is the inherent imbalance of power between workers and their employers, with employers having the upper hand. Unions are essential in enabling working people to stand up for their rights and ensuring that unions have the strength and resources to organise is a major challenge.
Our work in this area focuses on bringing about the creation of worker-friendly laws and policies through participating in tripartite discussions, making submissions to the government, and becoming involved in legal cases to highlight and improve workers’ interests.
Latest Employment Relations Info
- NZCTU condemns contractor reform as fundamental attack on workers’ rightsNZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is condemning a proposed change to employment law as a deplorable attack on workers’ rights. Minister for Workplace Relations, Brooke van Velden, has… Read More »NZCTU condemns contractor reform as fundamental attack on workers’ rights
- Proposed Holidays Act changes undermine workers’ entitlementsThe NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Government to not reduce worker entitlements in their review of the Holidays Act. “We are concerned that the proposed changes undermine… Read More »Proposed Holidays Act changes undermine workers’ entitlements
- Submission on the Biometric Processing Privacy Code Exposure DraftThe use of biometric technologies in the workplace is becoming more common. Biometric technologies are used for four main purposes in the workplace: security; recruitment; monitoring and surveillance; and health… Read More »Submission on the Biometric Processing Privacy Code Exposure Draft
- Employment Relations (Protections for Kiwisaver Members) Amendment BillThe CTU strongly supports the legislative intent of this Bill, which is to ensure workers are legally protected against unfair treatment, or the threat of unfair treatment, based on their… Read More »Employment Relations (Protections for Kiwisaver Members) Amendment Bill
- Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment BillThe CTU’s submission on the ‘Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill’ stresses the need for employers who steal from their workers to be held criminally liable for their actions in… Read More »Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill
- Select Committee Submission on Employment Relations (Restraint of Trade) Amendment BillRestraint of trade clauses are frequently and unjustifiably imposed on low-income earning workers; these workers often lack the resources to challenge these clauses.
Resources
NZCTU Definition of Good Work, June 2022
Good work is mahi that has a lasting positive impact on the worker, the employer, and the wider community. It is mahi that enhances the mana and dignity of workers, and where both employers and employees are treated with respect. The NZCTU’s definition can be used to help assess the extent to which good work is available in Aotearoa New Zealand and to develop policy to improve the quality of employment.