The Federal Government has been told to overhaul the temporary skilled migration scheme to make the pay rates fairer.
Industrial Relations Commissioner Barbara Deegan has told the Federal Government to scrap the minimum salary system and replace it with market rates.
The Construction and Mining Union's (CFMEU) National Secretary, John Sutton, says the change would prevent the exploitation of 457 visa holders.
"That's something that's been clear to the unions all along. We've called on Government now for over three years to implement that and we feel vindicated that the commissioner is arguing that," he said.
"That's a bedrock concept. These workers must be paid the same as Australians who are doing the same work."
"It will take away a lot of the attractiveness of this scheme being a cheap labour scheme."
Immigration Minister Chris Evans agrees.
But Senator Evans says he is wary of the recommendation to give foreign workers Medicare coverage by charging an employer levy.
He says it would put an additional burden on the public health system.
The Government will consider the recommendations as part of next year's budget.
No comments:
Post a Comment