Child labour complaint probe

Press, 2 August 1983, Page 3

Child labour complaint probe

PA Auckland The Auckland Trades Council is investigating the use of child labour in packing ice and collecting rags from households.

Complaints from a Te Atatu mother, Mrs Ann Malo, have brought to light cases of children as young as 12 and 14 years packing ice in a building at night without adult supervision.

She is also concerned that dozens of Auckland children are not getting a fair deal working for rag collection contractors.

She said that her son, Tane, aged 14, worked at a nearby factory packing ice after school and at weekends and holidays. The Factories and Commercial Premises Act forbids anyone under 15 to be employed in a factory.

The' “Auckland Star” visited the premises in the evening and found Grant Walton, aged 15, locked in, working alone emptying ice from eight machines into plastic bags. He said he was supposed to work until all the machines were emptied and he usually filled 150 bags a night, earning 3c for each

bag. One of two partners who run the business, Mr Bill Armitage, said he would continue until advised to do otherwise.

I’m happy to have these investigations. If there is a problem, let’s nip it in the bud,” he said.