As union members protest around the country against zero hour contracts, the government's promising change.

Dunedin MP Michael Woodhouse is the minister for workplace relations and safety, and he's spoken out about zero hour contracts, saying the most punitive aspects will be banned.

In particular he says it's not fair for employers to demand that workers are available, when they're not guaranteed any hours.

Hundreds of Unite Union members are protesting zero hour contracts throughout the country today.

In Dunedin protesters are gathering in Andersons Bay Road, outside fast food chains notorious for using zero hour contracts.