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On Friday, Worksafe announced that they are investigating the allegations.
“Worksafe was not previously notified (by Gloriavale) of the concerns raised in the Newshub story, particularly the risk of fatigue from long work hours,” they said in a statement.
“In light of these concerns, Worksafe will conduct a proactive assessment of any area of the Gloriavale community considered a workplace early next week.”
Christchurch attorney Kathryn Dalziel said that, in her opinion, the situation described by the men could amount to slavery.
“Yes, it is the short answer to the question, given the hours they are working [and] the fact that they are not paid, we do not support or encourage slavery in New Zealand and that can amount to slavery. “
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which investigates workplace exploitation and harassment, decided in 2017 that it “has no jurisdiction to intervene” in Gloriavale, as workers “are not employees.”
Dalziel disagrees.
“[I’m] I am not entirely convinced that they are not employees because you have to see the real nature of the relationship, “she told Newshub.
“And one of the things that I think would be interesting to explore further is the work that the employees are doing and the purposes for it and whether Gloriavale is getting any financial advantage from it.”
There was also unity of the main New Zealand political leaders, Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins, on the subject.
“Anywhere where someone is not treated in a way that takes care of their rights, then yes, that would worry me, but that is not something that I have been given much detail about,” Ardern said.
Judith Collins said she believes it is “very clear that there is a law.”
“I would say that if these are concerns, genuine concerns that obviously are, then the appropriate authorities should take action.”
An intervention is exactly what is happening after the members spoke to Newshub.
Worksafe’s assessment next week will include examining documentation held by Gloriavale and interviewing both Gloriavale workers and contractors to understand how risks are managed. The inspectors arrive there on Monday.
However, there remains real concern about allegations of control and threats from Gloriavale leaders.
The men said they threaten to be separated from their families if they disobey the leaders. Until now, no one has intervened to say they will analyze these issues.
