The gold MEH letters on the office wall

Collective agreements and extension orders

The difference between a collective agreement and an extension order, whom they bind and how to check which industry rights an employee has.

Collective agreements

A collective agreement regulates relations and conditions between parties in organised labour. Certain provisions may apply to employees and employers through organisational membership and the agreement’s scope.

Extension orders

An extension order may apply provisions of a collective agreement to employees and employers who were not direct parties. General and industry-specific orders exist, including in transport, cleaning and security. Lack of membership in an organisation does not end the enquiry.

Checking applicability

Identify the employer’s activities, the employee’s role, the employment period and the applicable version of the arrangement. Then examine pay, pension, education-fund contributions and other conditions. The Ministry of Labour’s database provides access to extension orders.

Advice on your own case

The article gives the general picture. In a first consultation, without commitment, we look at your documents and circumstances.

Or send us the details

A view that works for you

Accessibility settings

These optional settings adjust the display. Keyboard access and assistive-technology support do not require activation here.

Text size

Reading

Colours

Motion and control

You can also use your browser’s zoom controls (Ctrl or ⌘ with + / −). Press Escape to close this panel.

Preferences are stored only in this browser when storage is available. No personal information is sent to an accessibility provider.