Influx of workers rattles unions

UNIONS have demanded a seat at the table to determine any boost to unskilled migration amid fears an influx of workers could drive down wages.

Employers have backed the move to boost migration, arguing it would fill the jobs Australians don't want to take.

While Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Jeff Lawrence said yesterday unions were not opposed to an increase in immigration, he warned a cautious, structured approach was needed.

As reported in The Weekend Australian on Saturday, Immigration Minister Chris Evans has flagged a major overhaul of the migrant program to boost numbers, promote unskilled as well as skilled applicants and gear Australia to the new global competition for workers.

Cabinet is also expected to approve a pilot program for a guest worker scheme from the South Pacific.

Mr Lawrence said a "tripartite" approach was needed between government, employers and unions.

"It is something that does need to be approached in a cautious and structured way," Mr Lawrence said.

"We've not been opposed to immigration. The ACTU has supported immigration programs for 40 years.

"But for the Government to just say, 'We're going to proceed with this', that is a concern. I notice Chris Evans is saying in The Weekend Australian not to do a review but to 'get on with it'.

"Well, he's actually got a review on at the moment into 457 visas (for skilled migrants). I would have thought you need to consult with various stakeholders.

"It should be on a tripartite basis."

Senator Evans flagged the move after the Rudd Government lifted permanent and temporary migration for 2008-09 to nearly 300,000 in the biggest annual increase since the program's inception by the Chifley government in the 1940s.

Employers yesterday backed the migration boost, hosing down suggestions it would drive down wages. "I think the minister is showing a real sense of realism here," Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive director Peter Anderson said.

"There's no reason why Australia can't invest both in our own education and skills development and at the same time have an orderly program of immigration. Government needs to recognise that there is a global market for labour, just as there is a global market for capital."

Mr Anderson also rejected predictions that an influx of cheap, unskilled labour would reduce Australian workers' wages.

"I really don't think so. We have a very significant safety net in Australia for people in employment. We have the highest minimum wages amongst developed countries.

"It's not a threat to the Australian way of life."

Mr Anderson said while he didn't have a problem with union consultation, it should not be up to the labour movement to have the final say on employer decisions.

"I think in terms of the overhaul of the framework of principles that it is proper for government to consult with unions along with obviously consulting with employers," he said.

"But in terms of implementation or an employer's decision to make applications for approval for a particular program, we don't think there should be a requirement that unions should be involved in all of that."


The Australian; Samantha Maiden, Online political editor | May 19, 2008