Left to right: Mikee Santos, Dennis Maga and Robert Reid of First Union at Thursday night's meeting, taking to members online. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
Immigration New Zealand wants to hear from all workers laid off on Wednesday from collapsed recruitment hiring specialist ELE which had 1000+ people on 10 sites nationally.
And it indicated it will try to stop the fired workers being forced to leave New Zealand.
“Immigration New Zealand is aware of a large skilled labour hire agency in the construction and manufacturing sector that has gone into receivership, ELE Limited, who have employees on Accredited Employer Work Visas,” a statement said.
Those visas give workers the right to remain in this country while they are working.
Mikee Santos, Union Network of Migrants’ co-ordinator, said around 750 of the 1000-plus workers are Filipino and some feared they would be forced out of the country. Workers’ situations in relation to their visa change if they are no longer employed.
Immigration NZ said today: “We appreciate that this situation will be very difficult news for these employees as we enter the holiday period. As at December 22, we have identified 255 migrant workers linked to ELE Limited, mostly made up of builders labourers and carpenters.”
The Government agency also indicated it was in contact with those close to the collapse. That could mean it is talking to receivers at Deloitte who are now managing the business founded by Brent Mulholland. But they didn’t name Deloitte directly.
“We are working closely with the employer, the employees, and other interested parties to ensure these workers can remain in New Zealand lawfully, and explore options for those who are still offshore. We have set up a dedicated email address for those impacted by this situation to discuss their options,” the statement said.
“Due to the developing nature of this situation, we are unable to confirm any additional details at this stage, but addressing this situation and providing a timely outcome is a number one priority for us,” Immigration NZ said.
Deloitte, receivers for ELE, said on Wednesday more than 1000 jobs were affected on 10 building sites throughout New Zealand.
“Some of them were really scared because they feared losing their jobs and maybe being unable to stay in New Zealand,” said Dennis Maga, general secretary of First Union whose members are some of the workers impacted.
Some hire workers, earning $35/hour, were asked if they agreed to taking $32/hour or face redundancy, he said.
Anne Gibson has been the Herald’s property editor for 23 years, has won many awards, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.