457 visas increase despite local job losses, says CFMEU

The number of 457 visas granted in 2012 increased by 57%, despite job losses and a downturn in the local economy, the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union) has said.

According to the CFMEU, in the four months to 31 October 2012, the number of 457 visas granted in trades occupations was 4880 - 57% more than in the same period in 2011.

“This increase in the use of temporary visa workers is ridiculous at a time when 68,000 jobs have been lost in construction in the last year and many skilled construction workers are looking for work,” said Dave Noonan, CFMEU National Construction Division Secretary.

Noonan claimed the current system is being misused by employers to “create a pool of cheap guest workers”.

“There is still no obligation for employers to try and find local workers before they use 457 visa holders, so the system is ripe for abuse and too many employers are taking advantage of the system to get cheap compliant labour,” Noonan said.

The CFMEU is calling for Australian workers to have a legally enforceable first right to jobs in Australia and is seeking a temporary freeze on the use of 457 visas for trades occupations.