Three RSE Workers From The Solomon Islands Say Their Weekly Wages Were Sometimes Reduced To Zero By Deductions They Claim Were Unlawful

Three RSE workers from the Solomon Islands say their weekly wages were sometimes reduced to zero by deductions they claim were unlawful. Lyn Soapi, Danny Lau and Mary Lau have filed a lawsuit against Pick Hawke’s Bay Incorporated, seeking arrears of pay. The outcome of the case will potentially set a precedent not only for seasonal workers from overseas but others on minimum wage. Pick Hawke’s Bay is a non-profit organisation and the complainants say it unlawfully deducted expenses from their wages for such costs as transport, food, clothing and storage. Pick Hawke’s Bay denies it has acted either in breach of the law or the workers’ employment agreements. President John Evans argues that the deductions had been approved by Immigration NZ, or consented to by the workers. An example was deductions for work and wet weather gear just over $800.