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457 visas in transport will impact on safety457 visas are the most common way for employers in Australia to sponsor overseas workers on a temporary basis. These positions are “skilled” and the Howard Government claims that 457 visas are being used to address the skills crisis in Australia.
While currently transport workers (including truck drivers) are not considered “skilled”, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is lobbying to have the program extended.
The ATA is negotiating with the Federal Government to implement a Pilot Regional Labour Agreement for 100 truck drivers and/or diesel mechanics.
It is estimated that truck drivers brought in under the scheme would be paid $20,000 less than the industry average.
Bill Noonan, Branch Secretary said “Cheap foreign labour is not the answer to addressing any skills shortage in the transport industry.”
457 visa holders lack the bargaining power to negotiate a safe rate of pay and have very little job security given the prospect of deportation. Mr. Noonan said that the rates of pay and safety are intrinsically linked.
There are unused heavy vehicle licences in Australia which begs the question - why are drivers leaving the industry? This is a question that the Howard Government should preoccupy itself with said Mr. Noonan.
Mr. Noonan said, “The TWU has developed a campaign to inform TWU members, the transport industry and the community of the dangers associated with foreign labour driving trucks in Australia.”
“The Union is also calling on the Federal Government to address the driver shortage in Australia by examining the real issues, including wages and conditions, hours of work and safety,” said Mr. Noonan.
While currently transport workers (including truck drivers) are not considered “skilled”, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is lobbying to have the program extended.
The ATA is negotiating with the Federal Government to implement a Pilot Regional Labour Agreement for 100 truck drivers and/or diesel mechanics.
It is estimated that truck drivers brought in under the scheme would be paid $20,000 less than the industry average.
Bill Noonan, Branch Secretary said “Cheap foreign labour is not the answer to addressing any skills shortage in the transport industry.”
457 visa holders lack the bargaining power to negotiate a safe rate of pay and have very little job security given the prospect of deportation. Mr. Noonan said that the rates of pay and safety are intrinsically linked.
There are unused heavy vehicle licences in Australia which begs the question - why are drivers leaving the industry? This is a question that the Howard Government should preoccupy itself with said Mr. Noonan.
Mr. Noonan said, “The TWU has developed a campaign to inform TWU members, the transport industry and the community of the dangers associated with foreign labour driving trucks in Australia.”
“The Union is also calling on the Federal Government to address the driver shortage in Australia by examining the real issues, including wages and conditions, hours of work and safety,” said Mr. Noonan.
