Media release: FIRST Union

Friday October 12, 2012

Union takes case for underpayment of migrant worker

A new network protecting migrant workers’ rights is taking up the case of a migrant worker who was underpaid for several years while she worked as a domestic servant in Auckland.

Tonight’s One News featured the story of the worker, who has now returned to the Philippines.

FIRST Union General Secretary Robert Reid said the worker came to FIRST Union’s migrant workers network (UNEMIG), asking for support and backup for her to leave the house where she was living.

“Several members of UNEMIG visited her home and removed her safely. They were in contact with the Police during this operation,” Robert Reid said.

“We have had confirmation that the worker is safely back in the Philippines. She was very nervous understandably, and asked us not to publicise this issue till she was safe.”

The worker had asked UNEMIG to pursue an employment grievance on her behalf, for unpaid wages, and the lack of sick and holiday pay. This will be filed with the Employment Relations Authority on Monday,” Robert Reid said.

“We are now able to highlight her case to help the public and authorities get a better understanding about the way migrant workers are being treated in this country. Our network will continue to step in to help migrant workers get their rights,” Robert Reid said.

Ends.

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