Workers could soon refuse to work in earthquake-prone buildings.
One union is looking at adding a requirement to its collective agreements that employers prove their buildings are safe and carry out remedial work if the workplace is below the earthquake code.
The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union will vote next month on a remit to add the requirement to its agreements.
Employers told the Dominion Post the legality of any such action would have to be tested in court.
Employment lawyer Peter Cullen said the proposed clause was interesting but complicated, and the courts would ultimately have to rule on strikes.
NZN