27 Mar 2017
Advocate calls for a solution for seasonal worker exploitation
A showdown is brewing in Marlborough over the exploitation of seasonal workers from the Pacific employed by contractors operating on vineyards. Contractors on some of Marlborough's biggest vineyards are accused of slashing pay rates to the point where workers, who are mostly from Vanuatu, can't afford rent or food. Janette Walker from Blenheim's Crossroads' drop-in centre says more and more workers are coming to them for help. "These guys are working hard and they've getting ripped off."