14 May 2018

Unpaid work 'widespread' in retail - First Union

From Morning Report, 7:25 am on 14 May 2018

More retail workers have come forward to complain about being pressured to attend meetings or do other work without pay. Last week the employment court ordered Smiths City to back-pay staff six years' worth of lost wages - a payout that could stretch into seven figures. RNZ has since been contacted by a number of people who work in the retail sector. One woman who works for Rebel Sport told us that she is not paid to do the evening cash-up. The head of the retail chain Briscoes denies that some staff members have been forced to attend unpaid work meetings. Rod Duke says his company, which owns both the Briscoes and Rebel Sports brands, is mindful of its obligations as an employer. Another person told RNZ that Noel Leeming staff were made to come in 30 minutes before work, attend after-hours functions, and product knowledge sessions, all without being paid. He said if you didn't attend, it would be used against you in a performance review. First Union says people haven't realised until now that they were entitled to be paid. Its retail spokesperson is Tali Williams. She talks to Susie Ferguson.