Disclosure of Financial Information - Are New Zealand Employees and Unions Missing Out?

Abstract

New Zealand policymakers have to date paid scant attention to the disclosure of financial information to employees and unions. However, there are signs this could change. Current trends under the Employment Contracts Act towards enterprise and productivity bargaining may well see access to financial information emerge as a domain of increasing interest and significance. The Labour Party's policies for industrial relations reform incorporate proposals for a good faith bargaining requirement, including a statutory duty to supply relevant information. Should any future government contemplate action on industrial democracy, this would also have implications for disclosure. This paper examines existing legislative requirements in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe. It is suggested that these provide a useful starting point for those interested in pursuing some New Zealand disclosure iniliatives and that so1ne valuable lessons can be drawn from overseas experiences.