She said the issues were surrounding a professional development programme being provided to employees alongside their work to help them gain their qualifications.
"The programme was discontinued in early 2016 and since then we have attempted to engage with MBIE to resolve any concerns that had been raised."
On April 20 the companies were advised the ministry had filed a claim with the Employment Relations Authority in relation to 19 employees who worked for the 10 pharmacies.
She said the companies would continue to co-operate with the ministry to address the issues.
According to the Companies Office, all the pharmacies were directed by Rakesh Patel, Kerry Oxenham and Neenten Bikha. Navin Patel also owned a small number of shares in each company.
Rakesh Patel was also managing director of Nirvana Health Group, the largest independent primary health care group in New Zealand, which was founded by his parents Dr Kantilal Patel and Ranjna Patel
Many of the pharmacies involved fell under the Unichem brand overseen by Green Cross Health.
The pharmacies which have had claims filed against them are:
Avondale Community Pharmacy Ltd
Bairds Rd Community Pharmacy Ltd
Family Care 7 Day Pharmacy Ltd
Mangere Community Pharmacy Ltd
Otara Community Pharmacy Ltd
Ratanui Community Pharmacy Ltd
South Seas Community Pharmacy Ltd
Takanini Community Pharmacy Ltd
Victoria Community Pharmacy Ltd
Waiora Community Pharmacy Ltd