Unions NSW Rally – China FTA 31 July

You may have heard the China free trade agreement that Tony Abbott signed last month allows Chinese companies investing more than $150 million to import temporary workers without testing if local workers are available. A Parliamentary Committee is taking evidence about the China FTA over the next month. Come to the rally outside the Sydney Committee hearing, Friday, July 31, 12 noon, to protest this agreement and let Tony Abbott know this isn't a good deal for Australia.

We are concerned about the impact this unfair and unsafe agreement will have on our local community and we are sick and tired of the lack of action from the Abbott Government on the alarming levels of youth unemployment. Last week we spoke to Ruth, aged in her early 20s, who is so keen to get a job that she approached local employers with an offer to work for free for six months just to gain experience. We cannot let this happen to our community.

That’s why we’ll be joining with other unions to hold protests around the country – and we hope you will too!

We have to act now to stop Tony Abbott’s Free Trade Agreement with China which will leave our community locked out of critical job opportunities.

Under Abbott’s Agreement:

• Chinese companies that invest $150 million or more in a project will be able to bring in temporary workers;
• There will be no requirement that jobs be offered to local workers first;
• Allows Chinese companies to export goods to Australia without meeting the same standards for protecting workers and the environment as Australian companies; and
• Allows Chinese companies to sue Australian governments if they pass laws that the company believes will have a negative effect on them.

If you think this is not good enough – come join us at our rally to STOP THE CHINA FTA

In union,
The Unions NSW Team
PS: Australian unions are continuing to fight for local and secure jobs with good pay and conditions. The China FTA risks all of this. If you're unable to attend the rally, please make sure you sign the petition to show your support. Click here to sign now.