Government must guarantee no more slave-like contracts: Bandt
Greens spokesperson on Industrial Relations Adam Bandt MP today said the government must guarantee there are no more slave-like contracts after it was revealed that Thiess hired skilled migrants on contracts threatening to fire them should they engage in trade union activities and pay the company to find their replacements. Mr Bandt called on the government to investigate the Thiess matter and audit contracts for workers on 457 visas with those companies like Thiess that have been given the power to self-regulate.
“The contracts these workers were initially employed under are in clear breach of workers' rights and labour law,” Mr Bandt said.
“The government must investigate this matter and ensure that the workers are able to stay in Australia while the investigation is completed.”
“I will be directing this matter to the current Senate inquiry into the working visa system that the Greens initiated.”
“The fact that these contracts have existed begs the question whether more workers signed similar contracts with clauses that are blatantly illegal.”
“Thiess is one of a number of companies that have been given the power to self-regulate. The government must audit these companies' contracts that are currently working under 457 visas to ensure that more workers aren't having their rights taken away through illegal contracts.”
“Thiess must uphold their commitments to these workers and their families.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054