Nelson employer stung for underpaying workers

A Nelson employer has been stung for more than $30,000 for underpaying his workers.

The Employment Relations Authority found Bun Thuon Lam, a horticultural labour contractor, failed to pay five of his former employees the minimum wage and also took deductions from their wages without their agreement.

He was ordered to pay each of the workers around $7000.

The Department of Labour's Nelson service manager Annette Baxter said it was a serious breach of the law.

"Minimum rights are there for a reason - to protect employers and employees. If they are not complied with employers can expect a visit from a Labour inspector and possible follow-up action."

- NZPA