Modern day slavery
Money to feed hungry exploited workers who have not received any job and had their money and belongings stolen from their employers.
Auckland
There are around 48 Chinese workers who were promised work in New Zealand by an agency company working in construction. These are skilled workers who had worked in many other countries. They came to New Zealand to seek temporary work for them they were promised minimum 40 hours per week work, however, once arrived in New Zealand it was not the case. Many had not received any work since August last year. Yesterday these workers had their luggage stolen by the employer. They no money, no food or even shelter. All 48 workers slept on the street last night.
We are trying to organise some food for these workers while we resolve their issue and get back the owed wages along with the agency fees so they can either seek work elsewhere in New Zealand or go back home to their families.
We believe this is the tip of the iceberg, there may be many other workers who are in similar situation as these men but are too afraid to speak out
*Update:
We have found temporary accomdation for 16 of these workers for the next three nights.
Unite Union's involvement (page creator)
We are the Union who is trying to get these workers the money that was owed to them back from the employer and money for them to survive on while we resolve the issue. These workers currently cannot work in the company they are hired to work and cannot find jobs in other places because their visa is linked to the company they are employed to.
We are seeking the owed wages back to the workers and get them the right visa to help them or get the owed money to help them to go back home to their family.
Use of funds
To organise food for these 48 workers who have not receive any work since coming to New Zealand. If we receive more than we need the money will go to other migrant workers who may be in the same situation as them.
Latest update
Unite still fighting for justice for these workers - court case in next few months 8 August 2019
Unite Union currently represents 50 Chinese workers in an ongoing legal case against their former employers. This case is scheduled to be held in late October and early November 2019.
We have assisted in getting representation for ongoing visa issues.
http://www.unite.org.nz/workers_being_forced_back_to_china_without_a_day_in_court
We assisted with providing food and finding emergency accommodation during January for all 50 workers and will be using funds not spent for that purpose to fund legal support for their upcoming case.
We are hopeful that costs will be recovered if we are successful then any remaining funds will go to other migrant workers who may be in the same situation as them - as stated originally.
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