ACTU attempts to shift the focus of immigration

The ACTU’s support for a permanent migration compact reflects its determination to shift the focus of the nation’s immigration programs away from temporary migration.

The union endorsement of the compact does not mean the ACTU backs an increase or decrease in permanent migration numbers. In fact, unions support the status quo in relation to permanent migration.

But the ACTU does want action to wind back employer use of temporary migration by imposing tougher rules on companies seeking to engage overseas workers.

ACTU secretary Sally McManus argues that the temporary visa program has created an “underclass” of exploitable workers, vulnerable to unscrupulous bosses who pay illegally low wages.

This over-reliance by employers on temporary workers has, in turn, denied job opportunities to Australians and contributed to unemployment.

Signatories to the compact assert that permanent migration has not only been central to the nation’s economic and social development but critical to its future as a productive and globally integrated economy and society.

But they stress the temporary skilled migration program should be limited to instances of genuine skill shortages, based on evidence-based assessments of the need for specific occupations in the labour market.

The compact says there must be a “robust regime” to monitor and enforce compliance, seeking to prevent exploitation of overseas workers while holding offending companies accountable

The ACTU wants more rigorous labour market testing before employers can access temporary visa workers. It wants these workers put in contact with unions at the pre-departure and post-arrival points, and the onus of proof reversed when an employer has breached pay-slip and record-keeping obligations in all circumstances involving temporary workers.

McManus insists she will push the union case with the Coalition and the ALP, but unions know they have a much better chance of success if Bill Shorten is in The Lodge after the next election.