I started working in a career college. They said were going to pay me, but because the students hadn’t paid them, they would be late. So I waited. For 1 month, I had to keep asking for my pay. I got exhausted asking every single day. I got some payment after 1 month. They promised that as soon as they can they were going to pay the next cheque, but it never showed up. I thought maybe it will be ok after a few weeks. Every single day I said this is it. I’m coming here giving effort, time and energy to do something for the company and I’m not getting anything in return. Finally I decided to quit. I was owed 5 weeks of wages.
That was the only work I had, I didn’t have any money. I had to ask my mum for gas money. When I told her it was because I wasn’t getting paid, she was shocked. That money meant a lot to me – I would have used it for rent, food and paying bills.
The Ministry of Labour has to look out for people’s rights. I would say to anyone out there, they should not let anyone take their rights and abuse them. If it’s not right for you and you are not getting paid walk away from it.
– Jane