# Collective bargaining process Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/fair-work-practices/unions-and-bargaining/collective-bargaining/collective-bargaining-process Scanned: 2026-06-07T03:31:31.402Z Use this as a current official guidance reference, not as a substitute for legal advice. ## Page Text Home Fair work practices Unions and bargaining Collective bargaining Collective bargaining process Collective bargaining Unions and bargaining Unions Employment Relations Education: courses and criteria Collective agreements Collective bargaining Collective bargaining process Starting collective bargaining Preparing for bargaining Preparing your team Negotiating the agreement Good faith in collective bargaining Passing on collective agreement terms After the negotiations Unable to agree Screen industry Strikes and lockouts Everyone Collective bargaining process The duty of good faith applies through all the stages of the collective bargaining process. Employment Services mediators can help at any stage of collective bargaining. There are usually many stages in collective bargaining. In each of these stages, the duty of good faith must be met. These stages can include: making the first decisions about bargaining — who, when, what and how deciding on proposed coverage dealing with bargaining notices joining existing bargaining and consolidating bargaining entering into a process agreement meeting to present, consider and respond to bargaining claims continuing to bargain when other issues are at a standstill dealing with representatives communicating during bargaining requesting and disclosing information using independent reviewers for information that may be confidential resolving problems ratifying the agreement. Best practice bargaining involves thinking about: Preparation Understanding the issues and the people, and equipping the team for the process. Relationship Developing a strategy for maintaining the relationship before, during and after negotiations. Communication Building trust by applying an open communication style. Problem-solving Exploring options and strategies for reaching agreement. Good faith applies before, during and after collective bargaining and in relation to all correspondence and communication that relates to the bargaining. Generally, communication that relates to direct or indirect bargaining must go through the representative and not directly to the employees represented by the union. An employer can still communicate directly with employees while bargaining for a collective agreement. This includes communicating about the employer’s proposals for the collective agreement, but any communications must be consistent with the duty of good faith. This includes: unions and employers must not undermine or do anything that is likely to undermine the bargaining process or the bargaining representatives employers can’t bargain directly or indirectly with the employees during collective bargaining unless both the union and employer agree unions and employers must respect the role and authority of each other’s representatives. Any negotiations must always be done by the union and employer representatives officially involved in the bargaining. It is helpful if information is clear, accurate and in writing. Other things to consider Reaching agreement between the parties about the timing, nature and scope of communications (including media releases if applicable). Agreeing in advance of negotiations on disclosure of information and any independent reviewer arrangements. Having someone assigned to assess proposed communications from the point of view of the other bargaining party. Making joint communications. Good faith in collective bargaining Negotiators may benefit from help with collective bargaining. Getting advice early can avoid disputes later on. Experienced employment mediators from the Employment Mediation Services are available free of charge to help parties at any stage of the collective bargaining. Mediation The Code of Good Faith for collective bargaining states that the bargaining process should take into account tikanga Māori (Māori customary values and practices). It also states that bargaining should take into account any cultural differences or protocols in the bargaining environment. If bargaining is not going well and a party wants help from the employment mediation service to overcome a roadblock, they can ask for consideration of tikanga Māori or other cultural practices to be included. Code of Good Faith in collective bargaining Collective employment agreement template Published: 11 March 2024 Last modified: 12 June 2024 Written for: Everyone Share this page: Print this page: