Human Rights and the Rights of Migrant Workers: The Role of Trade Unions in Australia

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the comprehensive policies and programs for migrant workers of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. To be effective in ensuring the industrial rights of overseas born workers, a combination of different strategies needs to be employed. Legislative, regulatory and administrative frameworks need to be established and agreed to by all parties. Information and education are integral to any strategy and should be multifaceted, multilingual and include the utilization of a variety of resources. In Australia, some of the most effective campaigns, particularly in the areas of occupational health and safety and discrimination, have occurred where there has been cooperation between unions, employers, governments and community agencies. Training is an essential element of services for overseas born workers. Governments and trade unions will not only need to come to terms with the changing nature of the regional and international movement of workers but will need to develop mechanisms for meeting their social and economic needs and monitoring the effective delivery of services and programs.