Who to call if you need help

Help is available for dairy workers and their bosses caught in on-farm disputes over pay, conditions, and health and safety.

Some have criticised DairyNZ for lack of help but the organisation says that, while it offers courses to assist employees and employers to know their rights and to implement bestpractice in their dealings with each other, illegal activity is beyond its remit.

This is where the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s Labour Inspectorate comes in.

Ministry Waikato manager Kris Metcalf said anyone with concerns could call 0800 209 020.

He said labour inspectors were visiting dairy farms in Taranaki, Waikato and Hawke’s Bay after a survey indicated one-third of dairy farm workers in Southland could be underpaid.

The visits were part of a long-term operation to identify breaches of employment law, with a focus on the practice of seasonal averaging and failure to keep accurate time and wage records.

Dairy farm staff must be paid at least the minimum wage of $13.75 an hour for the total hours they work.

‘‘If they work 60 hours a week, they need to be paid at 60 hours at the minimum wage,’’ Mr Metcalf said. ‘‘It doesn’t mean you can’t employ people on a low salary – $30,000 to $38,000 – but you can’t let their hourly rate slip below the minimum. You can’t offset the dry season against the calving season.’’

Starting in March, the inspectors would also look at possible exploitation of migrant workers.

DairyNZ strategy and investment leader for people and business Mark Paine points to Quick Start, for farmers employing new staff, and People Smart, designed for specific farm roles, which can be accessed online.

Community Law, which has 140 offices around New Zealand, also provides advice and help.