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Migrant contract workers exploited in Christchurch

Author
Ben Aulakh,
Publish Date
Tue, 30 Aug 2016, 5:21AM
(iStock).
(iStock).

Migrant contract workers exploited in Christchurch

Author
Ben Aulakh,
Publish Date
Tue, 30 Aug 2016, 5:21AM

Some migrant workers helping to build a new Christchurch school are allegedly being exploited and are without proper contracts.

A Chinese contractor has told his friend that the staff employed by a Chinese owned air-conditioning firm, who are working on the new Haeata Community Campus in Aranui don't have formal contracts.

The contractor's friend, who is a New Zealander but who has asked to remain anonymous, has also been told that the workers aren't getting sick leave.

"I said what's in your contract and he said they don't have contracts. None of the people working there have contracts."

The man said the firm's employees are too scared to complain about what's happening to them.

"He's employing the migrant workers and they're pleased to be having a job, but they're too scared to say anything about being exploited, because of the fact of the fear that they will lose their jobs."

The Ministry said that it's asked Hawkins Construction, who are contracted to build the new school, to investigate the allegations.

It says its contractors, and their sub-contractors, are all required to comply with all New Zealand employment rules and regulations.

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