It's just been revealed we Kiwis aren't getting paid for the extra day of mahi we put in every leap year, but we've hit up an employment lawyer, and apparently, you don't have to.
Every four years we are working a whole extra day than what our salaries account for…that’s news to us!
And with February 29th hot on our heels, we’re feeling royally ripped off already. So, what's the go?
Employment law expert Max Whitehead has shared what you can do to get out of mahi on the 29th.
“Generally, salaried employees get paid the same rate of pay all the way through, and that’s every year [leap years included],” Ben told our mates over at More FM.
When asked if we should just take the day off to make up for our skipped pay, Whitehead brought a better idea to the table: “The court said a salaried employee doesn’t have to work extra hours if they don’t want to.”
“Imagine if this whole nation of ours, everyone who earns a salary decides ‘we’re not working on Thursday,” he added.
Of course, we had the cheek to ask if the big bosses could pull staff up for opting not to show up to mahi on the Thursday. And it turns out, legally, they can’t!
Whitehead explains: “That’s what the court said… They can’t be forced to do it, so you can say no."
Some NZ workplaces might find themselves down a few employees at the end of this month now that this major loophole has been exposed. However, Whitehead doesn't think much will be done to compensate those who do choose to work.
“I think [Kiwi companies] will stick with the loophole. If you think about it, it’s minute money. Some companies might be [paying employees for the day], but I doubt it,” he said.
You might be thinking, 'It's not fair for companies to get away with not paying employees for a full day of work.' Whitehead agrees but doesn’t reckon that any workplace is doing it deliberately.
So, will you be hitting up your boss for some extra cash, take the day off, or are we prepared to continue to let it slide?
