Update 14/6/22
On 6 June, a small group of 6 PSJ members (Gary Bendall, Henri van Roon, Paul Henriques, Shirin Caldwell, Jonathan Mason and Brenda Bendall) representing the wider Peace & Social Justice Group met on Zoom to go through the MBIE survey, discussing each point, and reaching a consensus answering the survey questions. The completed survey was submitted to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on 6th June on behalf of the Peace and Social Justice Group of the Auckland Unitarian Church.
All members had personal knowledge of situations where Modern Slavery and Worker Exploitation had occurred. The varied work and life experiences of the 6 meant that considered responses were made, and many thanks go to all for their very valuable contributions.
An opportunity to have your say on Modern Slavery and Worker Exploitation as it relates to NZ.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) are seeking feedback on new legislation that aims to achieve freedom, fairness and dignity in the operations and supply chains of entities and to address modern slavery and work exploitation, both in New Zealand and internationally.
The proposal would create new responsibilities across the operations and supply chains of all types of organisations in New Zealand, with more responsibilities for larger organisations. Submissions close 7th June 2022.
The PSJ Group are working towards a collective submission, however you can submit as an individual if you wish. This social action fits well with our UU 7 Principles, so please take this opportunity to have your say.
For more information on how to make a submission, please go to https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/modern-slavery.
If you’re short on time, read the summary of proposals and complete a short survey. It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes and can be anonymous, or you can make a detailed submission at Survey: Legislative options to address modern slavery and worker exploitation
Submissions and survey both close on 7 June 2022 at 5pm.
Thank You!
From the MBIE website: What are we proposing?
We are seeking feedback on new legislation that aims to achieve freedom, fairness and dignity in the operations and supply chains of entities and to address modern slavery and worker exploitation, both in New Zealand and internationally.
The proposal would create new responsibilities across the operations and supply chains of all types of organisations in New Zealand, with more responsibilities for larger organisations:
- All organisations would be required to take action if they become aware of modern slavery or worker exploitation
- Medium and large organisations would be required to disclose the steps they are taking
- Large organisations and those with control over New Zealand employers would be required to undertake due diligence.
The primary objective for the proposals set out to:
- reduce modern slavery and worker exploitation in New Zealand and elsewhere, helping to build practices based on fairness and respect.
The secondary objectives that support this primary objective are to:
- enhance New Zealand’s international reputation as a country that supports human rights and transparency
- strengthen New Zealand’s international brand and make it easier for our businesses to continue to trade with the world
- support consumers to make more informed choices in relation to modern slavery and worker exploitation risks associated with good and services
- drive culture and behaviour changes in entities which lead to more responsible and sustainable practices
- level the playing field for entities which act responsibly across their operations and supply chains.
The legislation would only be one part of the picture and it will need to be accompanied by extensive promotion, guidance and support for entities. We need to build a collective understanding of the issues and a long-lasting culture change which encourages collaboration.
How is New Zealand currently addressing Modern Slavery and Worker Exploitation?
In 2021, the Government committed to a Plan of Action against Forced Labour, People Trafficking and Slavery. This sets out a high-level framework for the actions that agencies will take over 5 years to 2025, to combat these practices. You can read more about this work here: Plan of action against forced labour, people trafficking and slavery