Making a complaint

Seasonal Workers · Know your rights

You can raise a problem without losing your dignity — or your job.

What you should get

• PALM: lodge a grievance using the PALM grievance form, or by calling the support line (1800 51 51 31) or emailing palm@dewr.gov.au.
• PALM: pay, hours, deductions and leave problems can go to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94; interpreter 13 14 50).
• RSE: your employer must listen to your concerns and must let you contact the Labour Inspectorate or groups like Citizens Advice Bureau.
• RSE: report exploitation to Employment New Zealand on 0800 200 088 (say your language for an interpreter) or online. You can report anonymously.
• RSE: your employer must let you join or contact a union if you want to.

Check for

• You know your Country Liaison Officer's name and number

What you can do

• Write down what happened, when, and who was there. Keep payslips and messages.
• Read the lesson 'Raising a complaint safely'.

Sources: PALM — Grievance management policy and form · PALM — Help for workers · Immigration NZ — Your rights as an RSE worker · Employment NZ — Migrant exploitation

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/seasonal-workers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org