← New Zealand · 2023

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Implementation of Transport Sector Agreement Median Wage Exemption for Bus Drivers

Validated finding · five-country-2010-20260922-v118-evidence-presentation-fix

CountryNew Zealand
Operative dateApril 26, 2023
CategoryLabour migration
Policy toolWage thresholds / sector agreements
Affected groupBus drivers / public transport workers

Policy effect

Implemented the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) wage exemption under the Transport Sector Agreement, allowing accredited employers to recruit eligible bus drivers at a minimum wage rate of NZD $28.00 per hour (below the standard median wage threshold of $29.66/hr), provided the operators have signed the All Parties MoU or provide Ministry of Education-funded school bus services.

Conditions and exceptions

Validated condition or limit: Implemented the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) wage exemption under the Transport Sector Agreement, allowing accredited employers to recruit eligible bus drivers at a minimum wage rate of NZD $28.00 per hour (below the standard median wage threshold of $29.66/hr), provided the operators have signed the All Parties MoU or provide Ministry of Education-funded school bus services.

Official source excerpt

Quoted verbatim from the official source below. Ellipses indicate omitted text.

… will provide certainty to Aotearoa New Zealand, in particular those who rely on buses and ferries as public transport options, and businesses that rely on freight movement,” Karen Bishop said. “Under the sector agreement, eligible bus drivers, truck drivers, ship’s masters (skippers) and deck hands will have a 2-year work to residence pathway. The agreement will be uncapped and will be reviewed after 12 months. “Employers can use the Accredited Employer Work Visa to recruit suitably qualified drivers, with eligible bus driving roles exempt from paying the median wage of $29.66 an hour. “From 26 April, eligible employers can recruit bus drivers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa at a minimum of $28 an hour. “To be eligible for the median wage exemption and 2-year residence pathway, the Minister agreed that all bus operators must have signed an All Parties Memorandum of Understanding on Improving Driver Terms and Conditions for public transport services, or be providing Ministry of Education-funded school bus services. “From 29 September 2023, people who have completed 2 years working in an occupation covered by the sector agreement will be able to apply for residence. “Eligibility …
Immigration New ZealandImmigration New Zealand, News & Notifications, Details of Transport Sector Agreement confirmed, 26 April 2023.Open official source
Retrieved from https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/transport-sector-agreement-details-and-other-green-list-roles-confirmed

Review method

Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews

Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice. Record fcp-976235a3489bb5c7e20f. Something wrong? Flag this record.

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