CTU Media Release

3 October 2013

CTU Supports Intention of New Immigration Law

The CTU supports moves by the Government to crack down on employers who exploit migrant workers.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse today introduced a new Bill to Parliament that will mean such employers will face a jail sentence of up to seven years, a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both. Exploitative employers who hold residence visas will also be liable for deportation if the offence was committed within 10 years of gaining residence.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary says “there have been some shocking cases of underpayment of wages, confiscation of passports, abuse of workers, and unfair treatment”.

“Migrant workers are vulnerable to exploitation and more needs to be done to ensure they have strong proections”.

Peter Conway said that the CTU and the Northern Employers and Manufacturers Association met the Government to discuss the abuse of migrant workers and we are pleased to see action is under way.

“However,” said Peter Conway “there is much more this Government could do to address widespread exploitation of workers throughout New Zealand – for instance those sacked under a 90 day trial who have no right of appeal against unfair dismissal”.

Peter Conway said that the CTU will make submissions on the Bill introduced today and that the CTU hopes that none of the changes will end up disadvantaging migrant workers despite the stated intentions. Also we note that the Bill covers a number of other immigration matters which we will need to consider carefully in our submission.

ENDS

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New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

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