Are we treating migrant workers fairly? A new report suggested that many migrants are being exploited by their bosses. In many cases, the boss is from the same country as the worker. There have been examples of workers paid less than the minimum wage and being expected to work for long hours each day. Another common problem is workers having to work for free while they are being trained. This is against the law. A worker must be paid for every hour worked.
Another kind of exploitation is to expect workers to work unpaid in exchange for food and accommodation. This is also illegal.
Another way in which migrants are being exploited is in their own country before they even get here. Many Filipino construction workers for example, have to pay an agent up to $15,000 to get a job in New Zealand.
Seasonal workers, many of them from the Pacific Islands, come here to work in the fields during the busy season, picking fruit or vegetables. In some cases, an agent hires the workers for fruit and vegetable growers and takes a percentage of the workers’ wages.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has inspectors who check on unfair practices but there are thousands of businesses so it is not easy to check every business. If a boss is found guilty of exploiting workers, he or she can expect to pay a large fine or even go to jail.
Vocabulary
• exploit (v) exploitation (n) – to use an unfair business practice where the worker has no choice
• construction (n, adj) – the building industry
• a fine (n) – a sum of money someone is ordered to pay by the court for committing a crime