Mediation in essential industries
More than 100,000 New Zealanders work in essential industries. These are defined under the Employment Relations Act as areas where industrial action over collective bargaining can cause major social or economic disruption to the community.
Notice of industrial action in essential industries must be given to the other party and the Chief Executive of the Department of Labour must be advised. The length of notice depends on the nature of the industry. The services of a mediator will then be offered to the parties and treated with urgency.
The mediator provides the same services as those normally offered to parties during other negotiations, but will focus particularly on how a strike or lockout can be avoided.
