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The Labor Inspectorate will not take action against the Gloriavale Christian Community.
Inspection and WorkSafe visited the isolated community on the west coast of the South Island this week over reports that some members had been forced to work more than 20 hours a day.
The inspection’s national manager, Stu Lumsden, said their jurisdiction only applies to employees and employers under the Labor Relations Act, and all members interviewed and the community itself said they were operating on a volunteer structure or trustworthy.
Alden Williams / Stuff
The Gloriavale Christian community in Haupiri near Moana.
The inspection reviewed Gloriavale’s operating model in 2017 and made the same finding. The inspection has no jurisdiction over volunteers.
READ MORE:
* The Labor and Occupational Safety Inspectorate visits Gloriavale for illegal work claims
* The outgoing Gloriavale initiates a civil proceeding in Superior Court against the leaders
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Ask current or former members to come forward so that the inspection can further assess the situation of the workers.
“In all cases under labor law, we need credible witnesses willing to come forward for the inspection to carry out an investigation into the employment situation and violations of minimum labor standards,” Lumsden said.
“So far, no current community member has claimed to be a Gloriavale employee, despite a previous proactive investigation and having visited the community.”
He said the inspection would need more information from anyone who is willing to testify publicly to talk about labor violations.
“We are eager to speak with anyone who has, at any time, had first-hand knowledge of the community in this regard. We encourage you to come forward. “
Lumsden said that if the inspection found evidence that those who worked at Gloriavale were employees, they would analyze whether further action was appropriate.
A police spokeswoman said Thursday that police had not made any arrests in Gloriavale.
On Wednesday, a WorkSafe spokeswoman said WorkSafe had not filed any charges against Gloriavale.
Labor Relations and Safety Minister Andrew Little asked officials to visit Gloriavale on the west coast of the South Island along with WorkSafe staff on Monday.
The Labor Inspectorate is a regulator that enforces and supervises minimum labor standards.
Newshub reported last week that two community members complained of long work hours, supervised by community leaders “controllers” known as “pastors.”
Former member John Ready filed a civil suit last week seeking the removal of Gloriavale’s trustees for alleged misconduct, mismanagement and neglect of duty.
In July, those who left Gloriavale asked Charities Services to re-investigate Gloriavale, alleging abuse, mismanagement and a host of other concerns. Charities Services investigated Gloriavale in 2015.
