The Government is considering the establishment of a sector-level bargaining system. This would enable unions and employers to develop Fair Pay Agreements that set minimum terms and conditions for all workers in an entire industry or occupation.

In June 2018, the government established the Fair Pay Agreement Working Group, chaired by Rt Hon Jim Bolger ONZ, to make recommendations on the design of this system.It will look at:

  • the criteria and process to initiate bargaining on a Fair Pay Agreement,
  • how bargaining participants will be identified and selected,
  • what Fair Pay Agreements should cover in terms of scope,
  • bargaining rules and dispute resolution processes, and ratification and enforcement of Fair Pay Agreements.

The Fair Pay Agreement Working Group is expected to make recommendations to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety by the end of 2018.

Source: www.mbie.govt.nz