national conversation about work
TRANSCRIPT
The National Conversation about WorkSue O’Shea & Moana Eruera, EEO Advisors
The National Conversation about Work• Major project involving talking to
employers, employees and community groups
• Over 3000 people involved in 16 regions across New Zealand
• Including West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman
• Started pre-recession
Impact of the recession on migrant employment
• Unemployment unevenly spread • Kiwi first policy• Change to skilled migrant categories• Business owners employing fewer people
Recommendations
• Provide information on employment law and human rights in relation to employment for both migrant employers and migrant employees
• Develop codes of practice in partnership with industry groups to guide employers on best practices
Recommendations
• Monitor the working conditions of migrant workers, including those employed under the RSE scheme, with a view to taking remedial action when poor practice is identified
Myth 1: Work is nasty
• Overwhelmingly New Zealanders in a wide variety of work love their jobs
• People show enthusiasm and pride for the work they do
• Work is critical to identity and wellbeing
Myth 2: Bosses are bad
• Most bosses are decent and want to be fair
• Many bosses see their workers like family members
• Most bosses are responsive to workers needs
Myth 3: Workers are lazy
• Workers responded to job “spread”, new flexibilities to help employers in the recession
• Majority of workers work hard to get the job done well
Discrimination
• Access to work (pre-employment issues)• On-the-job• As part of communities
Language
• Speaking own language at work• Intercultural understanding
Working conditions
• Long work hours• Leave entitlements• Pay and conditions• Pastoral care (including accommodation)
Regional reports
www.neon.org.nz