# Strikes and lockouts Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/fair-work-practices/unions-and-bargaining/strikes-and-lockouts 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 Strikes and lockouts Unions and bargaining Strikes and lockouts Strikes and lockouts can be used as a tool by parties to collective bargaining or for health and safety reasons. Notice must be given of strikes and lockouts. Unions and bargaining Unions Employment Relations Education: courses and criteria Collective agreements Collective bargaining Strikes and lockouts Strikes Lockouts Strikes Employees can legally go on strike if they are members of a union and collective bargaining talks break down, or if they believe there are serious health or safety issues at the workplace. Lockouts Lockouts are usually a last resort taken by employers after ongoing industrial action.