print :

2015-07-17

free trade

Free Trade Agreements mean fewer Australian jobs say unions

Easing of entry requirements for overseas workers will mean fewer jobs for Australians, unions claim.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is warning that free trade deals with China and, in future, India will mean that both local and international employers operating in Australia will have easier access to cheap labour.

In particular, the relaxing of current “market testing” requirements will mean that it will be easier for employers to bring workers into the country on temporary work (457) visas.

Market testing rules may require employers to show that they have not been able to find local workers for a job before they can apply to bring in labour from overseas. Already, only about a third of successful 457 applications required market testing. The ACTU estimates that under agreements such as the recently signed China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that proportion could sink to 25%.

Under new Investment Facilitation Agreements in the China FTA, companies with projects worth more than $150 million will also be able to negotiate to bring in lower-skilled workers at wage rates that fall below the current wage floor for the standard 457 visa program of $53,990 per annum.

Telecommunications projects are specifically mentioned in the China FTA as falling into this category.

ACTU President, Ged Kearney says that Australia’s temporary visa system is reaching crisis point and instead of fixing the abuse and exploitation, the Abbott Government is making it easier for companies to bring in temporary workers at the expense of local jobs.

“Our temporary visa system needs more regulation to protect job and training opportunities for Australian workers, not less,” she said.

What's New

Telecommunication

Telstra EBA 2018
ACTU turns 90
May Day 2016
Optus EPA approved
Telstra EA Update
Optus award update

Postal

Reps training
Reasonable overtime
Vale Jojie Vivar
Changes to Bulletin
Christmas pay rises
Postal reform
Facebook bullying
Year in review
Vale Jim Armstrong

News

Happy New Year
Happy New Year
Vale Shane Morse
Meeting reminder
Coronavirus Update
METRO RALLY
Reps training
ACTU turns 90
Vale Jojie Vivar
May Day 2016
Facebook bullying
May Day 2015
Working In Heat
Your Union Petition
Save our Posties
Sensis Sell Off
""