Grant migrant workers rights
4th May 2009
Status mess is causing exploitation – time to do as the
US and grant migrant workers rights, says Unite
With over 800,000 people denied status in this country, the UK
risks entrenching a three-tier labour force and with it the
widespread exploitation of migrant workers, which will itself drag
down the terms and conditions of workers across the country.
That was the warning issued by Unite the union, the UK’s biggest
union, ahead of the May Day Migrants’ March through central London
today (Monday 4th May).
Some 20,000 people, migrants and UK-born alike, are expected to
crowd into Trafalgar Square following a march through the capital
in the continued fight for rights for the hundreds of thousands of
'undocumented' workers in the UK.
Speaking ahead of the rally organised by Strangers into
Citizens, which he will address, Unite deputy general secretary,
Jack Dromey said: “Undocumented workers inhabit a twilight world of
fear and anxiety, constantly looking over their shoulder, believing
they have to except shoddy treatment from their employers. Their
abuse is a stain on our society.
“Three of our own union members were arrested when they were
tricked into a ‘training’ day. When they got there, the authorities
were waiting to remove them. One worker was in a desperate state
because he had to collect his kids from school. They were then
deported because they were undocumented but they had been here for
years, worked hard and contributed much more to this country than
they took out.
“Unless the UK acts to address the 'status mess' that has
accumulated over the decades, then exploitation among migrant
workers will become entrenched – and it will drag down the
conditions of workers across the country.”
According to Unite, promises by the immigration authorities to
hunt down and deport 800,000 people are not just immoral, but are
also impractical.
“Deportation would take a generation and cost a fortune, so why
pursue this approach?” continued Jack Dromey, “Barack Obama has
grasped the nettle in America. Undocumented millions might now
become full citizens of his brave new world, paying taxes to
rebuild a continent. Surely this is an approach we could benefit
from in this country too?”
ENDS
For further information contact Pauline Doyle on 07976 832
861.
Unite for Jobs
On 16th May 2009, Unite will hold a march through Birmingham.
This will be the centrepiece of the 'Unite for Jobs' campaign. The
March for Jobs will spotlight the need for urgent assistance to
defend jobs.
For information on the march, please visit: http://action.unitetheunion.org
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