29 January 2018
The Business Council’s call for “trusted” businesses to be exempt from visa regulations comes at a time when exploitation of migrant workers is at a peak. Loosening already weak legislation will only expose migrant workers to even greater levels of exploitation, and allow the unrestricted use of work visas at a time when regional unemployment is in crisis.
Numerous reports have found that exploitation of migrant workers through our broken work visa program is systemic. Visa arrangements are already skewed in favour of employers. Allowing businesses exemptions from the flimsy regulations that currently exist would be disastrous for migrant and local workers alike.
We need to change the rules on work visas to protect migrant workers from exploitation with stricter regulation – not less – and ensure that if there are local workers available to fill positions that they have priority.
Quotes attributable to Ged Kearney, ACTU President:
The Business Council’s call for “trusted” businesses to be exempt from visa regulations comes at a time when exploitation of migrant workers is at a peak. Loosening already weak legislation will only expose migrant workers to even greater levels of exploitation, and allow the unrestricted use of work visas at a time when regional unemployment is in crisis.
Numerous reports have found that exploitation of migrant workers through our broken work visa program is systemic. Visa arrangements are already skewed in favour of employers. Allowing businesses exemptions from the flimsy regulations that currently exist would be disastrous for migrant and local workers alike.
We need to change the rules on work visas to protect migrant workers from exploitation with stricter regulation – not less – and ensure that if there are local workers available to fill positions that they have priority.
Quotes attributable to Ged Kearney, ACTU President:
- “Migrant workers need more protection from exploitation, not less. Businesses are asking to be exempt from the rules which have been put in place to protect workers.”
- “Businesses are having no problem bringing in migrant workers. Any further loosening of the system will expose migrant workers to even more rampant exploitation and unacceptable working conditions.”
- “We need to change the rules on skilled migration to ensure that workers who come here are protected, and also to ensure that jobs which can and should be done by local workers are available to them.”
- “The current system is already set up to benefit employers, and yet they are asking for more power.”
- “The Turnbull Government needs to decide whether it wants to hand business a blank cheque on exploitation of workers, or if it wants to stand up for proper jobs, with legal pay and conditions.”
No comments:
Post a Comment