Taumarunui bakery sentenced to pay $ 90,000 for exploitation of migrants

By RNZ

A Taumarunui bakery was ordered to pay $ 90,000 for exploiting the migrants.

An investigation by the Labor Inspectorate found that two employees at The Bakehouse Cafe worked about 80 hours a few weeks for less than minimum wage.

The owners of the bakery, Sok Hoiring Chhoir and Rattanak Heng, also withheld vacation pay.

Employees described feeling exploited and traumatized, but feared losing their jobs.

The Labor Court ordered the married couple to pay the employees $ 20,000 in compensation and $ 70,000 in fines.

They have also coughed up more than $ 30,000 in outstanding wages and vacation pay.

Stu Lumsden, national director of the Labor Inspectorate, said the case was an example of how vulnerable migrant workers could be.

“These two workers were new to the district, spoke English as a second language, and did not have extensive support networks.

“The employer was opportunistic in violating his rights, acknowledging that the employees were not familiar with New Zealand labor laws and their rights and benefits.”

He said that anyone with labor concerns should contact the Labor Inspectorate.

– RNZ