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
- Briefing to the Incoming Government 2026
Working people are demanding change that will lead to good work and decent lives for all. The next Government should restore fair pay agreements and pay equity legislation within its… Read More »Briefing to the Incoming Government 2026 - Workers must be at the centre of all AI policy
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi welcomes Labour’s AI policy, which will support a future where technology works for people. “Artificial intelligence tools are becoming widely used… Read More »Workers must be at the centre of all AI policy - NZCTU welcomes Labour’s plan to restore and expand Apprenticeship Boost
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is welcoming Labour’s announcement today that it will restore and expand the Apprenticeship Boost scheme if elected in November. NZCTU… Read More »NZCTU welcomes Labour’s plan to restore and expand Apprenticeship Boost - New Zealand woefully out of step with new global standard for digital platform workers
A new Convention on decent work in the platform economy has been adopted at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva — the first binding global labour standard for platform… Read More »New Zealand woefully out of step with new global standard for digital platform workers - Submission on the Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill
NZCTU strongly opposes the Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill. The Bill continues the government’s strategy of squeezing the social welfare system during a very challenging economic… Read More »Submission on the Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill - Submission on the Modern Slavery Bill
This Bill will make a useful contribution to addressing modern slavery in New Zealand business operations and supply chains, by requiring large firms to report on modern slavery incidents and… Read More »Submission on the Modern Slavery Bill
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.
Policy Topics
