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Australia backpacker exploitation 'endemic', study finds Australia backpacker exploitation 'endemic', study finds
(about 3 hours later)
One in three backpackers and a quarter of foreign students working in Australia are being paid about half the minimum wage or less, a study has said.One in three backpackers and a quarter of foreign students working in Australia are being paid about half the minimum wage or less, a study has said.
The study, billed as the most comprehensive of its kind, found that wage theft of temporary migrants is endemic in Australia.The study, billed as the most comprehensive of its kind, found that wage theft of temporary migrants is endemic in Australia.
Overall, conditions are worst for those employed in food services and on farms, and for workers from Asian countries.Overall, conditions are worst for those employed in food services and on farms, and for workers from Asian countries.
Authorities have urged foreign workers to report cases of exploitation.Authorities have urged foreign workers to report cases of exploitation.
More than 4,300 workers from 107 countries were surveyed in the "Wage Theft in Australia" report, conducted by law professors at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and University of New South Wales (UNSW).More than 4,300 workers from 107 countries were surveyed in the "Wage Theft in Australia" report, conducted by law professors at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and University of New South Wales (UNSW).
It found a third of backpackers were paid A$12 (£6.80, $9) per hour or less, well below the legal minimum rate of A$22.13 for casual staff.It found a third of backpackers were paid A$12 (£6.80, $9) per hour or less, well below the legal minimum rate of A$22.13 for casual staff.
On average, Asian workers received lower wages than people from the UK and North America. On average, Asian workers received lower wages than people from English-speaking countries.
Temporary migrants make up 11% of Australia's workforce. Survey respondents also reported other violations that could amount to criminal forced labour, the authors said.
Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash said the government had made "several important reforms" to address exploitation in the time since the survey began.
'Worked like a machine'
Taiwanese backpacker Amy Chang, 33, said she was not paid in her first month as a slicer at a meatworks in regional New South Wales.
She said she was then paid A$16.86 per hour - less than the minimum wage and what Australian workers at the factory received.
"And you couldn't take sick leave or say no to working overtime, you were just worked like a machine," she said.
Ms Chang said employees knew they were being mistreated, but they were reluctant to speak out.
"Everyone was so scared of losing the job or their visa. Some of the workers joined the unions in the factories, but if you wanted to report the issue, the manager would target you."
Concerning statisticsConcerning statistics
The study authors said underpayment remains rampant across all industries, but some fare particularly badly. The study authors said underpayment remained rampant across all industries, but some fared particularly badly.
"For almost 40% of students and backpackers, their lowest paid job was in a cafe, restaurant or takeaway," said co-author Prof Bassina Farbenblum, from UNSW."For almost 40% of students and backpackers, their lowest paid job was in a cafe, restaurant or takeaway," said co-author Prof Bassina Farbenblum, from UNSW.
Those paid the worst were undertaking fruit-picking and farm jobs, where one in seven received as little as A$5 per hour, and almost a third earned A$10 per hour or less.Those paid the worst were undertaking fruit-picking and farm jobs, where one in seven received as little as A$5 per hour, and almost a third earned A$10 per hour or less.
Survey respondents also reported other law violations that raised concerns about possible forced labour, the authors said. The authors said some conditions could constitute forced labour:
Half of overseas workers reported either never or rarely ever receiving a pay slip, while almost half said they were paid in cash.Half of overseas workers reported either never or rarely ever receiving a pay slip, while almost half said they were paid in cash.
Myth dispelledMyth dispelled
The report also found that a majority of workers knew they were being underpaid, but many did not expect to receive the legal minimum.The report also found that a majority of workers knew they were being underpaid, but many did not expect to receive the legal minimum.
This contradicts a popular assumption that workers are underpaid because they are unaware of the minimum wage, the authors said. This contradicted a popular assumption that foreign workers were unaware of the minimum wage, the authors said.
In response to the report, Australia's Fair Work Ombudsman said it urged temporary migrants to look up their work rights online. The government urged workers with concerns to contact Australia's Fair Work Ombudsman.
It said employees who reported allegations of exploitation could be assured it would not affect their visa status. "It is critical that all employers obey the law and pay the appropriate wage, regardless of the background or those employees," Ms Cash said in a statement.
The Australian government has been contacted for comment. Since December last year, the government had given the ombudsman greater resources and passed legislation designed to assist vulnerable workers, Ms Cash said.
The Fair Work Ombudsman urged temporary migrants, who make 11% of Australia's workforce, to look up their rights online.