Rt Hon Winston Peters

New Zealand First Leader

Member of Parliament for Northland
8 NOVEMBER 2016

Exploitative Bosses Should Be Fined Heavily

Employers found guilty of exploiting foreign workers should be slammed hard from the outset and not given the soft treatment as was initially meted out in a Christchurch case, says New Zealand First Leader and Northland Member of Parliament, Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“In March, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) handed two Christchurch companies, operated by Indian owners, penalties of $25,000 for ripping off five young Indian staff, who had not been paid during trial periods and then underpaid after that as they operated two businesses seven days a week.

“This was challenged in the Employment Court for being inadequate and the fines were increased to $100,000.

“The Employment Court said there was little guidance for the ERA in regard to penalties especially for multiple breaches relating to multiple employees.

“The fact is New Zealand is too soft and is promoting forms of slave labour; this matter must be sorted.

“If employers are found guilty of exploiting workers, they should be fined heavily from the outset, and if they do not have permanent residence, deported,” Mr Peters says.

ENDS

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