‘Treated as slaves’: Former Gloriavale women recognised as employees in Employment Court triumph_Stuff

Former Gloriavale women who have won vindication over their claim they were employees at the Christian community say it feels “incredible to be heard, acknowledged and believed” after their victory in an Employment Court case.

Their lawyer, Brian Henry, says the court’s decision is significant, and shows the women “were treated as slaves”.

Employment Court Chief Judge Christina Inglis declared the women were employees rather than volunteers in her decision, released on Thursday, into the 10-week case brought by six women – Virginia Courage, Pearl Valor, Serenity Pilgrim, Rose Standtrue, Anna Courage and Crystal Loyal.

The women claimed they were exploited and treated like slaves while working on the community’s domestic teams, preparing food, cooking, cleaning and doing the laundry.

Continue reading: Former Gloriavale women recognised as employees in Employment Court triumph