Laundry, cooking and cleaning for 600 people: Chores or work?

By Joanne Naish | Stuff |

Women who have left the Gloriavale Christian Community are bringing allegations of exploitation and slavery to the Employment Court.

The hearing before Chief Judge Christina Inglis begins on Monday and will decide whether six former Gloriavale members were employees or volunteers. It is set down for five weeks, with 19 witnesses against Gloriavale scheduled to appear.

The decision will affect current and former Gloriavale residents regarding their working conditions, pay and employment rights. It follows a Labour Inspectorate investigation that found domestic workers at Gloriavale were working as part of an “extended family”.

The women will say they worked long hours in commercial-scale kitchens, laundries and child care centres.

Further reading and video: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/129691481/laundry-cooking-and-cleaning-for-600-people-chores-or-work