A high-end car washing business, owned by former league star Matthew Ridge, has paid $35,151 in arrears to 97 employees, who are mostly migrant workers, after it was found with multiple breaches of employment law.
A Labour Inspectorate investigation had found Car-Fe Ltd, failed to provide correct holiday pay, keep proper wage, time and holiday records, or provide employment agreements.
The investigation found 37 employees were not provided with employment agreements, 13 employees were given ''90 day trial letters'' in lieu of contracts, and another six employees had employment agreements with no dates.
"Keeping proper employment records employment, providing written employment agreements, and correctly paying holiday pay are some of the basics of being an employer in New Zealand," Labour Inspectorate Regional Manager Loua Ward said.
"The Labour Inspectorate does not tolerate employers failing to provide employees with their minimum employment entitlements, and we will ensure that employers who continue to breach their obligations face consequences."