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23: When access to workplaces may be denied on religious grounds
or “Sometimes, a union helper can't go into a small workplace if the boss has a special paper and no workers belong to a union.”
You could also call this:

“A special paper can be given to some bosses who can't join groups because of their religious beliefs.”

The chief executive can give you a certificate of exemption if you’re an employer who is part of a religious group that doesn’t allow you to join other organisations. This is for the purposes of section 23.

You can get this certificate if the chief executive believes that your religious beliefs stop you from being a member of any group except your own religious society or order.

The chief executive can take away your certificate if:

  • You agree to give it up
  • It was given to you by mistake
  • The chief executive thinks you’re no longer eligible for it

This means if you stop being part of the religious group that doesn’t allow you to join other organisations, you might lose your certificate.

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Next up: 25: Penalty for certain acts in relation to entering workplace

or “You can get in trouble if you stop union representatives from coming into your workplace without a good reason.”
Next

Part 4 Recognition and operation of unions
Access to workplaces

24Issue of certificate of exemption

  1. The chief executive may, for the purposes of section 23, issue a certificate of exemption to an employer who is an individual if the chief executive is satisfied that the employer is a practising member of a religious society or order whose doctrines or beliefs preclude membership of any organisation or body other than the religious society or order of which the employer is a member.

  2. The chief executive may revoke a certificate of exemption if—

  3. the employer to whom it has been issued agrees; or
    1. it was issued in error; or
      1. the chief executive is satisfied that the employer has ceased to be a person eligible to be issued with the certificate.

        Notes
        • Section 24(1): amended, on , by section 7(1) of the Fair Pay Agreements Act Repeal Act 2023 (2023 No 65).