5 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Otago Cabs accused of exploitation
Director of Otago Cabs Limited, Gurpreet Singh, denies exploiting foreign employees. Photo: Gregor Richardson
A "luxury" Otago taxi company, and the man behind it, have been hauled before the court, accused of exploiting foreign workers.
Sole director and shareholder of Otago Cabs Limited Gurpreet Singh, 37, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday facing six charges of exploiting temporary workers between August 2023 and July 2024.
The company faced six identical charges.
Not-guilty pleas were entered to all 12.
Court documents accused the man and company of being "responsible for a serious contravention of the Wages Protection Act" in respect of six employees.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment brought the charges, which carry maximum penalties of seven years' imprisonment and a fine of $100,000.
After being incorporated in February 2022, Otago Cabs caused ructions in the industry the following year when it expanded from Queenstown to Dunedin, leading to allegations.
While the nature of those issues cannot be reported, Singh, at the time, vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
"If we are doing something wrong, why [haven't] we had any complaints from the police or our reviews? Why are customers still using us?"
The alleged exploitation of the workers coincided with the company's expansion to Dunedin and, online, the firm also advertises its services in Alexandra and Wānaka.
On its website, Otago Cabs boasts of its "luxury" services, offering personalised chauffeur options and corporate vehicles which "exude elegance and professionalism".
It describes itself as a "leading player in the taxi industry", taking pride in "delivering safe, efficient and reliable transportation services".
It also promotes its "friendly and supportive team that values teamwork and collaboration" and growth opportunities for its dedicated employees.
Singh was remanded on bail and will appear before the court again in August.
