Photo: 123RF
Retail and hospitality workers in the Far North were interviewed about their employment conditions in a large-scale compliance operation last week.
The Labour Inspectorate's Northern Region compliance manager David Milne said their inspectors visited 58 stores in Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell and nearby suburbs unannounced as part of a five-day operation, Operation Orzo.
Milne said this included cafes, bars/pubs, restaurants, backpackers, fuel station retail stores, and liquor stores.
The primary focus of Operation Orzo was to check businesses were complying with minimum employment standards and increase the Inspectorate's visibility, he said.
They were also seeking to educate business owners and employees about their rights and responsibilities.
"Education is an important part of what we do and where breaches are found to be minor and unintentional our inspectors are happy to work with employers and employees to educate or resolve complaints or other issues.
"However, enforcement options will be considered where clear breaches of minimum employment standards are found."
Milne said they would not provide details on any transgressions they found at this time, but the response from employers and the public to the visits was positive.
"People even approached our inspectors on the street and were supportive of the work they were doing," he said.
The Inspectorate said it would be conducting several operations this year to ensure businesses across the country were meeting minimum employment standards.
As well as retail and hospitality, it said other sectors under the Labour Inspectorate spotlight this year were transport, construction, horticulture, viticulture, dairy, and security.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
