ACC changes to hurt Pacific seasonal workers
Changes to ACC will have a huge impact on Pacific workers here in New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, said Labour's Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson Luamanuvao Winnie Laban today.
"Under the new legislation, earnings related compensation will be based on 52 weeks in a year, whereas seasonal workers generally experience far fewer working weeks in a year because of the nature of their jobs.
"This will result in lower weekly compensation for seasonal workers.
"This is such a shame because the RSE scheme has been hugely beneficial for New Zealand and participating nations in the Pacific.
"In New Zealand, RSE workers have filled a vitally needed labour gap on our orchards and vineyards, while it has done much to bolster economies in the Pacific," said Winnie Laban.
“In the year ended March 2009, 5,558 Pacific Islanders were working in New Zealand under the scheme. In Vanuatu alone RSE has brought US $3 million into the local economy.
"This new legislation will put people off taking jobs in seasonal industries, including with the RSE scheme,” Winnie Laban said
