Today’s ‘black Friday’ sale at New Zealand’s largest computer and I.T. retailer is a dark day indeed for its workers. It seems PB Tech achieves its bargain basement prices through paying staff low wages. Minimum wage employer PB Tech is also in trouble with its workers over not paying staff for all time worked.
The practice of not paying workers for all time worked is a breach of the Minimum Wage Act and the Wage Protection Act.
Despite months of negotiations, the employer has rejected each of their workers’ claims for improved wages and conditions. The company is not offering any pay increases and has reneged on previously offered terms.
FIRST Union organiser Emir Hodzic says the company’s attitude towards their workers is appalling.
“PB Tech regularly deduct 15 minutes from employees even if they are only two minutes late. It’s bad enough that these workers don’t earn enough to live off but they are having their wages stolen too. For some, this means they’re paid below the minimum wage for that hour.”
He says the company has struggled to attract and retain staff due to their low wages and dodgy business practises so it is now relying on migrant workers to fill the shortfall.
“Companies can’t pay workers enough to live off and cannot meet the minimum requirements of the law, exploiting migrant workers is NOT the solution!”
Mr Hodzic says workers are striking and picketing because they are tired of being ignored by PB Tech.
“All these workers want is autonomy over their working lives. Pay increases with better working conditions free people from financial struggle, and if it’s over the Living Wage, it allows them to be active members in their communities.”
Customers are also being invited to call PB Tech (09 526 9200) to point out its workers deserve better wages and working conditions.
So who are PB Tech? Who owns and operates it?
John Keys M8 from China controls PB tech
John Keys M8 from China controls PB tech
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