‘System has to change’ after AWF migrant construction workers reportedly left in the lurch

Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway says the “immigration system has to change” in the wake of a report that overseas construction workers were left with nothing to do.

A Newshub investigation suggested that some Filipino migrant workers had been flown to Auckland but given hardly any work.

“If accurate, the situation these workers find themselves in is absolutely appalling and totally unacceptable to me. This is exactly the kind of thing I am determined to stamp out,” Lees-Galloway said.

Some of workers, who Newshub said had been brought to New Zealand to work on construction projects by of Allied Workforce (AWF) – one of the country’s biggest labour hire firms – had reportedly only worked two days in the past three months. Some said they were resorting to fishing for their dinner to save money.

“This demonstrates why the immigration system has to change,” Lees-Galloway said.

Simon Bennett, the CEO of AWF, told Newshub that finding work for the men depended on the timing of projects. “We have to understand that it is based upon the needs of projects and the needs of our clients,” he said.

The men were being paid for 30 hours a week, the minimum on their contracts, despite not working he said.

Lees-Galloway said proposals designed to prevent exactly this type of situation would be available for public consultation within weeks.

“I have asked Immigration New Zealand and the Labour Inspectorate to investigate this matter urgently.”

Stuff has contacted Immigration New Zealand for comment.

Source: Stuff