CFMEU: 457 Visa Workers Facts

The CFMEU today responded to the latest monthly figures on 457 visa workers, which show a continuing rise in the number of temporary overseas workers.

A recent advertisement by RecruitWest called for 457 visa holders who are carpenters and plumbers to apply, in a State where youth unemployment is at 8.5 per cent.

CFMEU Construction Division National Secretary Dave Noonan said that the idea that there weren’t qualified carpenters and plumbers locally in the state of WA was absurd.

“Employers are not, under the current system, obliged to even look for Australian workers first let alone employ them before giving jobs to 457 visa workers.

“Until such time as this protection is legislated, we will continue to see Australian workers missing out on jobs or their wages being undercut by employers who continually take the cheaper method rather than investing in training or boosting local employment levels.

“In the construction industry, there are now a total of 14,080 457 visa workers, 200 more in February than there were in January.

“457 visa use is rapidly expanding, and the largest single occupation is ‘Project Administrator’ – a role the Union understands is one of most commonly rorted occupations.

“The fact that the largest numbers of 457s are granted in states with higher than average unemployment is alarming, especially as one of the main rationales given by mining companies is that mining states need 457 visa workers to address so-called skill shortages.

“The 457 visa system is being used as an excuse to use cheaper, more compliant workforce – and employers who defend its use based on skill shortages need to examine the local labour market first before choosing this option.

“The union’s Let’s Spread it Around campaign has been focusing on ensuring the benefits and opportunities of the mining boom are more evenly distributed; and part of this is ensuring that the local workforce is tried and tested before importing overseas labour in such a temporary and manipulative way, ” said Mr Noonan.

Facts:

• Construction industry now has a total of 14,080 457 visa workers employed
• More 457 visas were granted in construction than any other industry from 2012-to end Feb 13
• 19,880 457 visa workers in trades occupations in February 2013- an increase of 6620 or 50% compared to February 2012.
• 21.5% more primary visa holders in February 2013 compared to February 2012
• Applications for temporary skilled work visas rose 9.5% in Feb compared to Jan
• Largest numbers of 457 use are actually in States with higher than average unemployment, rather than addressing so–called skill shortages in mining states.
• Tas 34% growth in 457 use despite 6.6% unemployment
• SA 12.4% growth in 457 use despite 5.8% unemployment
• NSW 7.6% growth in 457 use despite 5.2% unemployment