Labour Inspectors have been busy this year conducting spot checks on local farmers measuring compliance with their legal obligations imposed under employment laws as part of their National Dairy Sector Strategy.
These investigations follow earlier media releases from November 2013 warning farmers' of the likelihood of random visits by Labour Inspectors throughout Taranaki.
The purpose for the visits is to ensure dairy farmers are meeting their legal obligations concerning minimum employment rights.
These include the provision and retention of written employment agreements, accurate time, daily hours worked and wages records as well as holiday and leave records.
Non-compliance has significant financial implications for farmers', facing fines of up to $10,000.00 and $20,000.00 for companies. In addition separate claims can be brought for breaches of the Minimum Wage Act, leave and holiday payments.