Fashion retail chain Cotton On has backed down on a plan to have employees individually negotiate a tea and lunch break.

High street fashion chain Cotton On has become the first company to attempt to invoke the Government's 'tea break' law, First Union claims.

Unions have rejected a call from Finance Minister Bill English for further restraint in wage increases because of the low-inflation environment.

A union has attacked "antipathy" against forestry workers and their representatives, as a safety review pins the blame for the industry's high fatality rate on everyone involved.

Machines which fell trees under remote control by operators standing at safe distances are being hailed as important new tools and a world first for reducing deaths and injuries in forests.

The Labour and Green party coffers will receive a $120,000 boost for the election from unions that are also hoping to mobilise thousands of members to push for a change of Government.

A Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment report this month says amendments to the Employment Relations Act and the Holidays Act that the Govt made in 2011 have achieved some of their policy objectives in the short term.

A union body leading prosecutions over the deaths of forestry workers has applauded a coroner for tackling the problem, which it described as unsustainable and intolerable.

The Council of Trade Unions tonight said a claim by cabinet minister Steven Joyce that it walked away from Government briefings on the Trans Pacific Partnership were untrue.

David Cunliffe's popularity began to wane almost as soon as the media spotlight ceased illuminating the contest over the Labour Party's parliamentary leadership, writes Dr Damien Rogers.

The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) is calling for an appeal to be launched after the Waitakere District Court ruled that the death of a young security guard is not the responsibility of his employer.

A merger between the two biggest and most influential unions affiliated to the Labour Party is almost certain to happen around the middle of next year, says Matt McCarten.

Employers will again be free to hire temporary labour to cover striking workers under a private members' bill to be introduced to Parliament today.

A political strategist who has trained National Party MPs says the Ports of Auckland colluded with right wing bloggers to undermine industrial action against the Ports of Auckland.

John Key says Hollywood finds New Zealand more attractive than other countries because it does not have a strong union movement.

Fears that chats with politicians while out shopping or at sport could breach code.

To mark the Herald relaunch we're taking an in-depth, week-long look at what it means to be Kiwi. Today - why we choose NZ over anywhere else on the globe.