The Ministry’s Labour Inspectorate visited 29 dairy farms in nine regions to check their compliance with employment laws. More than half were targeted due to information about likely non-compliance.
“The level of non-compliance identified during this operation was extremely high and it was disappointing to find that a significant number of farmers still do not have systems in place to keep accurate time and wage records that are compliant with employment legislation,” Labour Inspectorate central regional manager Natalie Gardiner said.
Gardiner said MBIE issued 15 improvement notices and four enforceable undertakings for a total of 71 minimum employment standard breaches. The majority of breaches related to poor record keeping but several farms had significant minimum wage breaches and there was estimated arrears owed of more than $120,000.
“The Ministry takes the exploitation of workers very seriously and is working proactively to crackdown on it through compliance operations targeting sectors and at risk workers across New Zealand.
“We are also working with the industry to help equip farmers with the skills and knowledge to be better employers by ensuring they get the basics right.
“We will not hesitate to take action for breaches of employment law. Breaches will be subject to compliance action and potential penalties of up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for companies,” Gardiner said.
MBIE encouraged anyone in a similar situation, or who knew of anyone in a similar situation to call its contact centre on 0800 20 90 20.
