The CTU has deplored the Government’s removal of the minimum wage protection for workers on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. Allowing employers to make deductions which will reduce pay rates below the minimum of $12.50 per hour will significantly increase exploitation of RSE workers and undermine the credibility of the scheme, said CTU Vice-President Richard Wagstaff.

“Calls by wine industry employers [10] for even more government support to help them train Pacific workers to do the low paid jobs they offer are outrageous, in the light of recent stories of the appalling treatment of these workers,” Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said today.

It is now time for a dedicated focus on decent work within the horticulture industry, said CTU secretary Carol Beaumont, in response to immigration policy announced changes today (Transitional Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme).

“Secure and rewarding work needs to be at the heart of the horticulture and viticulture sector.”

"Migrant workers have always been a vital part of our society, and on International Migrants Day it is timely to recognise their contribution to New Zealand and to recommit to quality, decent work for all workers,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said.

New immigration law currently going through Parliament must include “good employer” requirements for labour migration, the Council of Trade Unions will tell a select committee this morning.

“Employers in viticulture need to be careful not to put the reputation of a major export industry at risk through shoddy employment practises,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

“The CTU supports the Department of Labour investigations into the case of several migrant workers in Blenheim vineyards, including eight Thai workers whose work permits have been revoked after they spoke out about their employer’s work practises.”

“Unions will continue to advocate for a rights based approach to immigration that focuses on decent work for all workers – migrant or local,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

The Council of Trade Unions says that the problems faced by Tauranga Police through a lack of a translator is just one example of the need for better support systems for temporary migrant workers in New Zealand.

Unions want the Government's review of immigration law to include the enforcement of labour standards for new migrants, Council of Trade Unions secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions has joined unions around the world in calling for equal rights for migrant workers on International Migrants Day.

"With migrants in New Zealand subjected to a barrage of racist attacks, it is timely today to acknowledge that migrants must be entitled to equal rights and treatment at work," said CTU president Ross Wilson.