“Good faith” bargaining in conflict with Stock Exchange; explanation sought

The Employers and Manufacturers Association says the “good faith” bargaining that the Labour Party proposes to introduce into New Zealand is an entirely new concept here, and one in conflict with other parts of our present law.

The Association wants the Labour Party to spell out in far more detail what is proposed. The concept from Canada is expected to be introduced under a new Employment Relations Act if Labour were to form the next Government.

“While we are seriously concerned over many provisions and implications of the proposed new employment law, the “good faith” provisions are completely at odds with other parts of our present law,” said the EMA’s chief executive Alasdair Thompson.

“For example, “good faith” would require companies to table commercially sensitive information in front of unions at negotiations to set wages and salaries. It If unions retained their right to remain shareholders they would become privy to information not open to other shareholders; this is at odds with the rules of the Stock Exchange.

“It would also make commercially sensitive information available to competitors raising serious questions under the Commerce Act.

“Either the introduction of “good faith” bargaining would require subsequent changes to other laws, or something else which has not been spelled out. We want the Labour Party to explain in more detail what is intended.”

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