FECCA alert to worker exploitation

Date: 30 November 2003

Following the revelations in The Australian newspaper of 29-30 November 2003 regarding the exploitation of contract workers the Chair of FECCA, Mr Abd Malak, today called on ethnic communities in Australia to be vigilant to exploitation.

" These revelations are very disturbing" said Mr Malak, "especially the thought that immigrant workers are being lured to Australia to earn an honest living, only to be trapped into positions where they are exploited as virtual cleaning slaves."

"This kind of situation demands a concerted response" continued Mr Malak, "it is an ideal opportunity for both Commonwealth and state governments, employers, the trade union movement and communities themselves to work in partnership to put a stop to this exploitation."

"Ethnic communities can play an important role" said Mr Malak. "It is very possible that the people involved in this exploitation have spoken about what is going on. The victims may have tried to seek help, the culprits may have spoken about those they are exploiting. If this is the case it is really important to let the authorities know."

"This kind of exploitation highlights both the need for an effective trade union movement to protect the rights of workers who are being exploited, and ethnic communities can be particularly vulnerable. It also highlights the need" concluded Mr Malak "for a rigorous legislative and policing regime that monitors the issuing of study and work visas by visitors to Australia and which properly regulates the employment of contract workers."

Cleared for immediate release: 30 November 2003 Media Comment: Mr Abd Malak (Chair) mobile: 0417 489 066

For further information

Contact:	Abd Malak
Union:	Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia
Contact Mobile:	0417 489 066
Email:	conrad@fecca.org.au
WWW:	http://www.fecca.org.au/

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