New Zealand: Employers urged to act in good faith during COVID-19 crisis as some allegedly fail to pass on wage subsidy
"Employers urged to act in good faith during COVID-19 crisis - NZ Human Rights", 27 March 2020
Equal Employment Opportunities and Women's Rights Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo has called on employers to act in good faith when accessing available schemes by the Government.
Concerns have been raised by unions that some employers are not passing on the wage subsidy or compelling staff to use sick or annual leave as cover during the isolation period.
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"I'm encouraging business owners to talk openly with their staff before making decisions affecting their jobs. I urge bosses to face up to the inevitable emotional conversations, continue to exercise transparency and do the right thing. Get support from other business owners who are facing the same dilemmas. We are all in this together." adds Saunoamaali'i.
New Zealanders who are over-represented in low-paid jobs, particularly MÄori and Pacific workers, women, disabled and rainbow people, migrants, young and older workers, are more vulnerable to discrimination in employment during this time.
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