Village to Village: Loans and learning for RSE workers
A new social enterprise to repay the sacrifice of seasonal workers represents chicken feed for Allain Liu-Vitivae - in all the right ways.
New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan says the industry organisation is “extremely concerned and disappointed” by reports of mistreated Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme workers in the horticulture and viticulture industry.
“RSE employees must be provided with fair and ethical working conditions; anything less is unacceptable,” he says. “There are very clear requirements for all accredited employers regarding accommodation, pastoral care, and guaranteed minimum earnings, for example. As an industry we expect all members to ensure these are upheld, as a minimum.”
The recent news coverage was not a clear representation of the way the industry cares for its people, “and those few that do not uphold these requirements reflect badly on us all”, he added.
Philip welcomes a full review of the RSE scheme, planned since before Covid-19, as “a good opportunity to check that the standards that are expected of RSE employers are at the right level”.
When done right, the RSE scheme is an important labour mobility tool and an essential component of New Zealand’s overall developmental priorities for the Pacific, says a spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood, noting the employment opportunities and earnings sent back to workers’ families.
It also benefits the horticulture and viticulture industries, directly addressing labour supply challenges. “However, it is clear that experience is not being shared by all,” they say.
“All New Zealanders would be disappointed that there are visitors to our country who have had this experience.”“All New Zealanders would be disappointed that there are visitors to our country who have had this experience.”
Government expects to hear back from the RSE review in the first half of 2023 and the minister has directed officials to also investigate whether amendments to current instructions are required, along with guidance on employment, accommodation and pastoral care standards “to bring practice in line with the expected recommendations”.
Indevin Group Chief Executive Duncan McFarlane says accreditation, such as membership with New Zealand Ethical Employers (nzee.nz), may become mandatory for its growers in the future. Indevin Group Chief Executive Duncan McFarlane says accreditation, such as membership with New Zealand Ethical Employers (nzee.nz), may become mandatory for its growers in the future. Indevin and Villa Maria call on more than 700 RSE workers over the pruning season, and Duncan says the viability of the industry would come into question without the scheme.
In a letter to growers, he said reports of exploitation were disappointing and frustrating. “I wanted to share with you our commitment and expectations to ensure that no workers are exploited in our supply chain, and the support we need from you.”
As well as reiterating expectations that labour suppliers meet their legal and ethical standards Indevin will work with Thornhill Horticultural Contracting, of which it has a 75% stake, to develop best practices for the industry. “By focusing on this issue and setting the standard, we believe we can lift the bar for the industry.”
Vineyard labour contractors who have been found to be in breach of employment obligations in recent years are listed on NZW’s know your contractor page:Vineyard labour contractors who have been found to be in breach of employment obligations in recent years are listed on NZW’s know your contractor page: nzwine.com/know-your-labour-contractor
