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
- 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 - Submission on the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Bill
The Enhanced Risk Management Bill effectively “raises the stakes” in parts of the immigration system. While proposing to increase deportation liability and reduce appeal rights for migrants, it also proposes… Read More »Submission on the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Bill - Submission on the Employment Leave Bill
The CTU strongly opposes the Employment Leave Bill. It is unworkable, will not achieve its objectives and will leave too many workers worse off, with lower incomes, in a cost-of-living… Read More »Submission on the Employment Leave Bill - Submission Guide | Holidays Act changes
Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash Submissions on Brooke van Velden’s Holidays Act changes are due on the 14th of April. The Bill poses a huge risk to New Zealanders’ leave… Read More »Submission Guide | Holidays Act changes
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
