Whangārei was the focus for Employment New Zealand's Operation Orzo recently, assisting those in the hospitality sector with what's fair.
The Labour Inspectorate has launched an intensive compliance operation in the Whangārei region, with 29 businesses visited by Labour Inspectors.
The two-day operation was part of the broader Operation Orzo, which began earlier this year in the Bay of Islands. There, unannounced visits were made to more than 50 retail and hospitality businesses in Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell, and nearby suburbs, including Haruru, Opua and Waipapa. Inspectors also interviewed nearly 100 workers about their employment conditions.
David Milne, the Labour Inspectorate’s Compliance Manager for the Northern Region, said the goal of Operation Orzo was to increase the visibility and engagement of the Inspectorate and to ensure compliance with minimum employment standards in the northern North Island, with a specific focus on the hospitality and retail sectors.
Cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants were all visited during the Whangārei operation, which was carried out by the Labour Inspectorate jointly with Immigration Investigators, supported on some visits.
Inspectors primarily focused on compliance with the Employment Relations Act 2000, Holidays Act 2003, Minimum Wage Act 1983, and Wages Protection Act 1983.
The Immigration team focused on identifying any immigration breaches from employers. Three employers were identified to have employed migrant workers without a valid or correct visa and will be issued infringement notices. One individual was also issued with a Deportation Liability Notice for breaching their visa conditions.
Milne said the primary focus of Operation Orzo was to raise awareness about the inspectorate and monitor whether businesses are meeting their obligations under minimum employment standards.
“However, inspectors made a point of helping business owners and employees understand their rights and responsibilities regarding employment standards,” he said.
“Education is an important part of what we do, and where breaches are found to be minor and unintentional, our inspectors are happy to work with employers and employees to educate or resolve complaints or other issues. But where clear breaches of minimum employment standards are found, various enforcement options will be considered.”
He added that the data gathered during the Whangārei visits is still being assessed, and it is still too early to provide any updates about potential breaches.
Operation Orzo is one of several operations the Inspectorate is undertaking across New Zealand this year. Other sectors under the Labour Inspectorate spotlight include transport, construction, horticulture, dairy and security.
MBIE has encouraged anyone who thinks they or someone else has been treated unfairly in the workplace to contact its 0800 20 90 20 contact centre number, where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.
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