Almost 90% of the forest industry is breaching basic minimum employment standards, according to a Government audit of the sector. Labour inspectors from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment carried out audits in 34 forestry contractors across the North Island in 2017 and found that 20 of them didn’t comply with legislated minimum standards.
The breaches are widespread and include employees being paid less than minimum wage and not being paid correct holiday entitlement or the right public holiday pay.
The industry is also infamous for its appalling Health and Safety outcomes. In 2017 alone; six workers died in New Zealand forests.
FIRST Union is building our membership in Forestry. We are not surprised at the audit result, as we frequently report to industry groups what our members tell us about the conditions of employment that they face.
Recently the Council of Trade Unions raised over $15,000 to pay for a headstone for slain forestry worker Eramiha Pairama. The owners of the company responsible for Eramiha’s death, Lawrence and Yvonne Harper, failed to pay Eramiha’s family $75,000 ordered by the courts.
If you know Forestry Workers looking for support they can join our Forestry Workers Network at:
www.forestryworkersnetwork.nz
