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National will continue to allow union access to workplaces with the employer’s consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld, according to the party’s employment policy statement. The party will continue to support the social partnership with Business NZ and the CTU and restore workers’ rights to bargain collectively without having to belong to a union.

The National party’s industrial relations policy doesn’t mention the minimum wage. In 2006, shortly before he took over as leader of the party, John Key said "I'm not one of the hardcore, hard right wingers who says 'get rid of the minimum wage; you don’t need it.' Some people take that view, I personally think it has a place and I don’t have problems with it rising." In July this year, TV3’s political editor Duncan Garner said Key had told him “the minimum wage will rise. But he won't say by how much”. “We’ll reflect on it at the time,” Key said.

According to party policy, National will introduce a 90-day trial period for new employees by agreement between the employer and the employee, for businesses with fewer than 20 staff. During the trial period, either party may terminate the employment relationship for performance, without a personal grievance claim being brought. Good-faith provisions will still apply, as will rights to sick leave, holidays, and health and safety provisions. Rules of natural justice and human rights legislation will apply. Mediation will be available in disputes, and employers won’t be able to hire and fire the same employee every 90 days.

National party policy says it “will keep four weeks annual leave, but allow employees to request trade of the fourth week for cash. This can be only at the employee’s request and can’t be raised in negotiations for an agreement.”