Greens Push Bill to Auto-Enroll New Workers in Unions

The Green Party has introduced legislation that would make union membership the default for anyone starting a new job in New Zealand. Under the bill, employees would be enrolled in the relevant union automatically and would have to opt out if they wish to decline. The proposal includes a one-month free membership period and allows immediate resignation from the union at any time. Co-leader Marama Davidson said the measure would be a priority in any post-election negotiations and a key election promise.

The New Zealand Herald

The Greens argue the policy restores a norm that existed before the Employment Contract Act 1991, which National-led reforms sharply reduced union involvement in collective bargaining. Davidson described the earlier era as a time when “union membership was once the norm,” suggesting the new bill reverses that shift.

The New Zealand Herald

Greens workplace-relations spokesman Teanau Tuiono said the change would “strengthen workers’ collective voice and ensure more people have access to the representation and support that unions provide.” He added that, amid rising living costs, “unions continue to fight for fair pay, safe workplaces and decent conditions.” The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) welcomed the bill, with acting president Rachel Mackintosh calling it “a practical, common-sense step” that eases access to union benefits and collective bargaining.

The New Zealand Herald

ACT MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar warned the legislation would replace “free choice with Government coercion,” arguing that “free choice would no longer be a starting point.” Davidson countered that unions should persuade workers of membership value rather than rely on government enrollment, stating, “If unions want more members, they should convince workers that membership is worthwhile. They should not need the Government to sign people up for them.”

The New Zealand Herald

• “strengthen workers’ collective voice and ensure more people have access to the representation and support that unions provide” — Teanau Tuiono, Greens workplace relations spokesman

The New Zealand Herald

• “At a time when workers are facing increasing pressure from the rising cost of living, unions continue to fight for fair pay, safe workplaces and decent conditions,” — Teanau Tuiono, Greens workplace relations spokesman

The New Zealand Herald

• “This Bill is a practical, common-sense step that would make it easier for working people to access the benefits of union membership and collective bargaining,” — Rachel Mackintosh, acting NZCTU president

The New Zealand Herald

• “free choice would no longer be a starting point” — Dr Parmjeet Parmar, ACT MP

The New Zealand Herald

• “If unions want more members, they should convince workers that membership is worthwhile. They should not need the Government to sign people up for them,” — Marama Davidson, Greens co-leader

The New Zealand Herald