Independent Contractors and Strike Action in New Zealand
New Zealand Universities Law Review, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 162-184, 2016
24 Pages Posted: 3 Jun 2017
Date Written: June 1, 2016
Abstract
Can independent contractors take strike action?
This paper addresses this question in the context of New Zealand labour and competition laws through the lens of the exclusion of film industry workers from the Employment Relations Act 2000 (NZ).
The paper explores the liability that can arise where a group of independent contractors collectively withdraw their labour in the pursuit of better terms and conditions of engagement. While the discussion focuses on New Zealand workers, a comparative analysis is used, by drawing parallels with the legal position in Australia.
Keywords: Collective bargaining, strike action, independent contractors, Hobbit Dispute, anti-competitive conduct, authorisations, ACCC, Commerce Commission, collaborative activities
JEL Classification: K10, K30, K31
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation