Union access to workplaces
Unions are legally allowed to enter a workplace for employment and union business. Both the employer and the union should deal with union visits in good faith.
Union representatives intending to visit a workplace need to get permission from the employer first. This permission may not be unreasonably withheld. The employer must respond within one working day after the request is received. If the employer decides not to grant access, they must provide written reasons for this decision no later than one working day after the date of the decision. If the employer does not respond within two working days of the request, then that is taken as consent for the union representative to enter.
If the employer denies consent but does not provide reasons in writing for the refusal or unreasonably withholds consent, the employer could be subject to a financial penalty imposed by the Employment Relations Authority.
