Car wash ordered to repay migrants
Former All Black, league and TV star Matthew Ridge’s car-wash company has to pay $35,151 in arrears to 97 employees after the Labour Inspectorate found multiple breaches of employment law.
Car-fe failed to provide correct holiday pay, keep proper wage, time and holiday records, or provide employment agreements.
The investigation found 37 employees were not provided with employment agreements, 13 staff were given ‘90 day trial letters’ in lieu of contracts, and another six employees had employment agreements with no dates.
Labour Inspectorate regional manager Loua Ward said keeping employment records, agreements, and correctly paying holiday pay are basics of being an employer in New Zealand.
She said migrant workers are ‘‘often more vulnerable to unacceptable work practices’’.
‘‘Migrant workers have the same employment rights as all other workers in New Zealand, but ... many are less likely to be aware of their rights and entitlements.’’
Car-fe was warned by the authority last October to correct its employment practices and pay back the arrears owed to the employees due to the incorrect calculation of holiday pay.
Ward said although Car-fe had gone on to pay its employees the arrears owed to them, the breaches were disappointing.
‘‘This case is a good reminder to employers to do their due diligence when it comes to keeping records, providing employment contracts, and correctly paying holiday pay, as failure to do so can damage both your brand and your bank balance.’’