MBIE reiterates employment standards around wages, breaks, sick leave
Ski field and related sector employers in New Zealand are being reminded to take care of their employees ahead of the upcoming ski season.
David Milne, the Labour Inspectorate's Northern Regional Manager, told employers that employees are entitled to minimum employment rights regardless of status.
"This includes providing all workers with a written employment agreement, paying them at least the minimum wage if they are 16 years or older, allowing them meal and rest breaks, paying them for holidays, sick leave, and for working on a public holiday," Milne said in a media release from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE).
Milne, who includes adventure sports in his portfolio, said deducting money without an employee's permission is also prohibited, as well as asking them to pay a premium for hiring them.
"Employers need to be aware that they can only make deductions for board and lodging if both parties agree to it, while there are also other terms of such an arrangement that need to be formalised," the regional manager said in a statement.
In terms of a 90-day trial period, Milne said employers can only do this if this has been agreed to in the employment agreement before the employee started working.
Working visas in spotlight with ski workers
Stephanie Greathead, MBIE's national manager, also reminded employers that it is their responsibility to ensure staff are lawfully in New Zealand. It comes as many of New Zealand's foreign snow industry employees are under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
But Greathead noted that there are other employees who are in New Zealand under the Working Holiday Visas or Student Visas.
According to the national manager, it is important that the conditions of employee's work visas are met.
"Student Visa holders for example are only allowed to work limited hours during their term time and there are varying conditions on Working Holiday Visas, dependant on which is their country of origin. Employers need to check," she said.
She added that it is illegal for employers to keep their employee's passport while they stay in New Zealand.
Tenancy considerations for seasonal employees
Meanwhile, employers are also reminded to comply with tenancy law if they plan on providing accommodation for employees.
Healthy Homes Standards must be met, according to Brett Wilson, national manager at the Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team.
This includes minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties.
"It is important that employees understand their rights, and the landlord's obligations when they look for accommodation, even just for a few weeks or months," Wilson said.