Workplace relations in the screen industry

Currently, most workers in New Zealand’s screen industry are contractors who cannot challenge their employment status. They are therefore not entitled to employment rights, including the right to negotiate working conditions collectively.

In 2018, the Government brought together industry, business and worker representatives to design a model that allows collective bargaining in the screen industry. The Screen Industry Workers Act 2022 implements their recommendations.

The Screen Industry Workers Act 2022 comes into force on 30 December 2022. These are the key aspects of the new law:

• Whether a screen production worker is a contractor or an employee is determined solely by the type of written agreement they have. A “screen production worker” is a person involved in the creation of films, programmes, commercials and games.
• A duty of good faith requires parties to a contract not to mislead or deceive one another.
• Contractors doing screen production work must have written contracts with mandatory terms about contract termination and protection from bullying, discrimination and harassment.
• Contractors doing screen production work can bargain collectively in their occupational groups and at the production/company level.
• A tiered dispute resolution system supports parties to resolve issues that may arise, including access to mediation and facilitation.

Once in force, the new law will enable collective contracts to be negotiated. Occupational contracts will come into effect 6 months after bargaining concludes. Enterprise contracts will come into effect when they are signed by bargaining parties, or at a later date if agreed.

Download the factsheet about the Screen Industry Workers Act below.

Workplace relations in New Zealand's screen industry [PDF, 436 KB]

Read the Act on the New Zealand Legislation website(external link)

For more information about the changes, you can contact us at screenenquiries@mbie.govt.nz.