CORANGAMITE Labor candidate Libby Coker was joined by Shadow Assistant Minister for Workplace Relations Lisa Chesters this week for a roundtable meeting on labour hire practices.<\/p>\n
The event, held at Geelong Trades Hall, was attended by workers from the disability and construction sectors, who spoke about concerns including the lack of minimum shifts and the increasing casualisation of the workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you refuse work, you don\u2019t get work; it puts a lot of stress on your family,\u201d one worker said.<\/p>\n
Ms Coker said it was time to take action against a \u201ccrisis that is stripping working people of their dignity and ability to provide for their families\u201d.<\/p>\n
She said she organised the meeting as many locals were hurting as a result of unfair labour hire practices and the abuse of 457-style visas.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue of unfair labour hire is out of controland urgent action is required. Our community and
\nlocal economy are suffering as a result.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am hearing stories about workers being sacked\u00a0and offered their job back at reduced pay and young people being locked out of the housing market.<\/p>\n
\u201cToo many labour hire workers are being treated like second class citizens, with lower wages, worse conditions and no job security. The big multinationals have proven to be some of the worst offenders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Chesters congratulated Ms Coker for calling the roundtable meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cLibby Coker has always proven herself to be a strong and vocal advocate for the local community, especially on the issue of workers\u2019 rights,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want locals to tell us their stories so we can advocate on their behalf in Canberra.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Chesters said she was considering organising a summit for workers involved with the National Disability Insurance Scheme and aged care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CORANGAMITE Labor candidate Libby Coker was joined by Shadow Assistant Minister for Workplace Relations Lisa Chesters this week for a roundtable meeting on labour hire practices. The event, held at Geelong Trades Hall, was attended by workers from the disability and construction sectors, who spoke about concerns including the lack of minimum shifts and the […]<\/p>\n