New Zealand - The Land of Milk and Honey

I suppose that I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to matters like this. It's easy to pull a cork and consider the origins of the universe through a Côte Rôtie but what about the people who got the the juice from the cradle to the grave? To me, this is one of the most amazing things about wine. All the people that play a role in the process and get a bottle on your table for eight or nine bucks. Well, in New Zealand they have not forgotten about the 'working man'.

Outdated vineyard law to be reviewed

"The Department of Labour is to review a regulation that makes vineyard employers legally responsible for workers’ accommodation.

Occupational Safety and Health highlighted a little-known rule under which employers are responsible for minimum standards of accommodation for agricultural workers."

Readng this straight-away, it sort of makes sense. Grapes are generally grown where people aren't. That is to say, there isn't a whole lot of vineyard space left in L.A. But what about harvesting the grapes? That's when you need a bunch a people. In the states, we have the 'migrant worker'. Wouldn't it be safe to assume the same would be true in New Zealand? Why then, would it not be reasonable that the vineyard owner should provide some lodging for those breaking their backs for that $800 bottle of Cab?

"That upset Marlborough grape contractors and growers, as well as Federated Farmers New Zealand, who asked why agricultural employers should be liable when supermarket employers, for example, were not."

I'll tell you why not. Because they work in a supermarket! How many people are commuting for hours to ring up Cheetos at the Bi-Lo?It keeps getting better:

"Regardless of who you are as an employer, if your worker is regularly turning up looking sleepy and not in good shape, it is prudent to ask why is that happening."

Is it prudent to ask? Maybe 'your worker' is getting down every night. Maybe 'your worker' loves smoking crack. Maybe, 'your worker sleeps under a bridge.

"If your workers are sleeping in a car or under a bridge, they are not going to be as productive."

I'm guessing that it is this type of sheer brilliance that landed Mr. Bob Hill the position of 'Principal' of the Occupational Safety and Health Department.