Visa 457: CFMEU threatens to name companies

The construction union is calling on the Federal Government to stop issuing 457 temporary migrant visas in the Northern Territory because of alleged abuses of the guest worker scheme.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) is threatening to name and shame the companies abusing the system.

CFMEU national secretary Dave Noonan believes dozens of migrant workers in Darwin are being forced to pay their employers exorbitant amounts out of their wages for housing and tools.

"We've heard of suggestions that workers will be charged $3,000 or more for tools," Mr Noonan said.

"Workers will be accommodated four to six in a room and charged in excess of $150-a-week rent and the workers will be forced to pay large amounts of commission to labour agents in China."

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