This is to ensure that the benefits of collective bargaining are offered only to those organisations that are independent, democratic and properly accountable to their members. Unions must meet the conditions laid out in the Incorporated Societies Act before they can register. This means that they must be democratic, have a set of rules, and at least 15 members. In addition, in order to register as a union, a society must be independent of any employer. Union access to workplaces is constrained by limiting the purposes and times at which access can occur.
Lawful times are any reasonable time when an employee is employed.
Unions do not have access to workplaces that are also a dwelling. Both unions want to negotiate collective agreements. An employer in this situation can seek to consolidate the bargaining into one set of negotiations, under the process set out in clause 60 of the Bill. A union that does not agree to consolidate negotiations within 30 days will be treated as if they have withdrawn their notice initiating bargaining. However, this requirement applies only to union members.