Media release

14 March 2017

Auckland car-wash pays $35,151 to migrant employees following Labour Inspectorate investigation

A car washing business in Auckland has paid $35,151 in arrears to 97 employees following a Labour Inspectorate investigation which found multiple breaches of employment law.

Car-Fe Limited failed to provide correct holiday pay, keep proper wage, time and holiday records, or provide employment agreements.

“Keeping proper employment records employment, providing written employment agreements, and correctly paying holiday pay are some of the basics of being an employer in New Zealand,” says Labour Inspectorate Regional Manager Loua Ward.

“The Labour Inspectorate does not tolerate employers failing to provide employees with their minimum employment entitlements, and we will ensure that employers who continue to breach their obligations face consequences.”

The investigation found 37 employees were not provided with employment agreements, 13 employees were given ’90 day trial letters’ in lieu of contracts, and another six employees had employment agreements with no dates.

The systemic nature of the breaches meant that 97 employees, the majority being migrant workers, were affected.

An Improvement Notice was issued to Car-Fe Limited in October 2016 to correct their employment practices and pay back the arrears owed to the employees due to the incorrect payment of holiday pay.

Car-Fe Limited has since provided proof to the Inspectorate that the business now has compliant wage, time, holiday and leave records, and employment agreements.

As of 1 March 2017 the Improvement Notice conditions have been complied with and all arrears owed to employees have been paid.

“Migrant workers have the same employment rights as all other workers in New Zealand, but are often more vulnerable to unacceptable work practices as many are less likely to be aware of their rights and entitlements.

“While we are pleased that Car-Fe has gone on to pay their employees the arrears owed to them, we are disappointed to find these breaches in the first place.

“This case is a good reminder to employers to do their due diligence when it comes to keeping records, providing employment contracts, and correctly paying holiday pay, as failure to do so can damage both your brand and your bank balance,” says Mrs Ward.

With tools such as Business.govt.nz’s Employment Agreement Builder employers can quickly and easily create employment agreements online, which are tailored to meet the needs of their business.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment encourages anyone concerned about their employment situation, or the situation of someone they know, to call its contact centre on 0800 20 90 20 where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.

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