When you have a job, you can choose to join a union or not. No one can make you join a union if you don't want to. You also can't be made to leave a union if you are already a member, or to not join one if you want to.

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This page was last updated on 20 May 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM58626.

Topics:

Work and jobs > Worker rightsRights and equality > Anti-discrimination

7: Object of this Part, or

"Your right to choose about joining a union"

9: Prohibition on preference, or

"No special treatment for union members"

Part 3Freedom of association

8Voluntary membership of unions

A contract, agreement, or other arrangement between persons must not require a person—
to become or remain a member of a union or a particular union; or
to cease to be a member of a union or a particular union; or
not to become a member of a union or a particular union.

Compare

1991 No 22 s 6