Thread by @KaraninaSumeo

Since early January, my team and I consulted with over 20 RSE workers in Northland and over 60 workers in Marlborough and visited eight accommodation sites to inquire into RSE workers’ work and living conditions.
* Disclaimer: Some details may be distressing.
#Thread
#RSEscheme

Many RSE workers told us their employers placed them under curfews and geographical restrictions. They couldn't leave their designated region without permission from their employer. They even needed to ask their property managers or employers for permission to have visitors over.

We heard of how married couples that come to work under the RSE scheme are separated from their partners for the duration of their employment. In 2020, a husband and wife were reprimanded by their employer for choosing to spend one night together.

We were also told of another instance where a woman who had entered into a relationship while under the RSE scheme was forced to present a negative pregnancy test to her employer or risk termination of her employment.

Community leaders who provide care for RSE workers from the same country told us they sought permission from employers for workers to attend their country’s national day celebrations on the condition they would behave and return promptly. In some cases, this request was denied.

Many RSE workers told us they were banned from drinking alcohol for the duration of their employment. This included their personal time when they weren't at work. In some cases, those who were caught received disciplinary warnings & were told their employment could be terminated.

As EEO Commissioner, it has been absolutely distressing to witness the living conditions, exploitative practices and apparent disrespect on the mana, collective and cultural identity of the workers that are coming from the Pacific to work in our industries here.

The Government has the responsibility to ensure adequate monitoring and enforcement of employment and living conditions and the overall protection of workers’ rights – regardless of whether they are temporary workers or a citizen.

Here are our recommendations to Government to urgently improve the RSE Scheme. These systemic human rights issues must be rectified immediately! There are simply no excuses.
Read our full report here: bit.ly/3HrzGes

Also, read this great piece on our report on the #RSEScheme by @dileepa_fonseka
stuff.co.nz/business/13072…