Man forced to sell car over pay delay

A man who had to sell his car and live off the proceeds while waiting to be paid has won an order for payment of the arrears.

Khalil Afzal Hanjra took his case against Monopoliz Supplies Limited (MSL) to the Employment Relations Authority, claiming he was owed more than $17,000 as balance of wages for the period from May 9 to December 8, 2009.

The authority said that despite several promises, MSL director Salim Shaikh had made only part payments, one in cash for $200 and four by cheques totalling $3131.

At one point Mr Hanjra sold his car and lived off the $2000 proceeds while waiting for his wages to be paid.

Authority member Robin Arthur ordered that MSL pay Mr Hanjra, by no later than March 9, $17,756.50 as arrears of wages, $171.75 interest, and $70 as reimbursement of his lodgement fee.

If the arrears were not paid by March 10, MSL should pay an additional $2.29 per day as interest until they were paid in full.

- NZPA