457 VISA PROCESS UNDER REVIEW: AMWU

Australia’s manufacturing industry has long relied on the labour of overseas hire; however the continued exploitation of foreign workers has become an increasing concern for the bodies that represent the workers.

In November last year, the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) made a submission to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) calling for a overhaul the consultation process for employers who seek to hire overseas labour on 457 visas to reduce exploitation of workers engaging in manufacturing work.

The AMWU released a statement last month urging the DIAC to get 457-visa process right stating that the current system by which employers acquired 457 visa holders was flawed and failed to genuinely test labour conditions.

“The only mechanism available to unions to ensure an introduction of 457 visa holders will not adversely impact local labour conditions is through consultation with the employer,” AMWU National President Paul Bastian said in the statement

“As it currently stands there is little to no consultation. DIAC need to facilitate that process, with all consultation going through their office.”

Under the current process, all employers seeking access to a 457 labour agreement are required to consult with unions about their proposed introduction of overseas labour.

However, unions have found that their responses to those consultations have been either ignored or not followed up by the employer.

“If an employer doesn't pass on the AMWU response to DIAC, DIAC automatically assumes that the union has given tacit approval to the application. This process is open to exploitation by rogue employers and must be changed as soon as possible,” Bastian said in the same statement.

“The AMWU has very high standards and tests for labour agreements. These tests are designed to protect local labour wages, conditions and opportunity for local employment and to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers.

“Bringing the consultation through DIAC will ensure that the department considers the AMWU response when reviewing a labour agreement application.”

Bastian said that it was common for unions to intervene later on when employers were found to be underpaying or mistreating foreign workers.

He added that poorly tested 457 labour agreements can also drag down wages and conditions across the industry in Australia, no to mention adversely affect the lives of foreign workers.

“It is essential that we get the process right before employers are granted an open passage,’ he said.

DIAC is expected to announce its review into 457 visa system early this year.

The AMWU represents over 130 000 workers in the manufacturing industry including: food and confectionery; metal and engineering; printing and packaging; technical, supervisory and administrative areas; and vehicle building.

Source:http://www.myfen.com.au/news/457-visa-process-under-review--amwu