For a fresh take on the normal job security issues and, perhaps, a prediction for 2009(?) - see the following short video clip.
It's also very funny.
It's also very funny.
The realities of work and new forms of web-based communication technology
Showing posts with label Migrant labour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Migrant labour. Show all posts
Migrant labour and employment rights
The Guardian today makes a big issue of migrant labour and how migrant labour is problematic from two perspectives - migrant labour is not allowed the same employment rights as British citizens, and probably of broader significance, many believe employers use migrant labour as a covert strategy to drive down the pay and conditions of British workers.
What's of particular interest, apart from the reference to how trade unions will try and make this a focus of attention at the Labour Party conference, are a range of case studies where employer use of migrant labour is put under intense scrutiny.
Companies listed in the article include A&P shipbuilders, Dawn Group meats, BMW cars, St Ives printing, Trinity Mirror publishing Quebecor World publishing, Corus steel, Harper Collins books, Coca Cola Wakefield, Chep UK pallet suppliers.
Further attention is give to the poultry and construction industries' apparent exploitative and underhand use of migrant labour.
See Underpaid, easy to sack: UK's second class workforce by Felicity Lawrence for more details.
Migrants’ lives beyond the workplace
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has just produced a report that looks at the experiences of Central and East Europeans in the UK.
An outline is as follows:
"This report explores the experiences beyond the workplace of migrants from East and Central Europe working in low wage jobs.
Following an earlier report on these migrants’ experiences at work, this study explores their access to information, advice and English classes, their accommodation, leisure time, social contact with British people and long-term intentions.
The relationship between migrants and other residents has come under the spotlight in recent debates on ‘integration’ and ‘social cohesion’ but there has been little evidence on Eastern European migrants and this study helps to fill that gap.
Based on a survey of more than 600 migrants working in the UK before and after enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004, the study provides unique insights into their experiences.
Highlighting some of the challenges new migrants face, it makes a strong case for reviewing national policy towards them."
For more details see Migrants’ lives beyond the workplace by Sarah Spencer, Martin Ruhs, Bridget Anderson and Ben Rogaly.
A brief summary of the report can be found here.
An outline is as follows:
"This report explores the experiences beyond the workplace of migrants from East and Central Europe working in low wage jobs.
Following an earlier report on these migrants’ experiences at work, this study explores their access to information, advice and English classes, their accommodation, leisure time, social contact with British people and long-term intentions.
The relationship between migrants and other residents has come under the spotlight in recent debates on ‘integration’ and ‘social cohesion’ but there has been little evidence on Eastern European migrants and this study helps to fill that gap.
Based on a survey of more than 600 migrants working in the UK before and after enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004, the study provides unique insights into their experiences.
Highlighting some of the challenges new migrants face, it makes a strong case for reviewing national policy towards them."
For more details see Migrants’ lives beyond the workplace by Sarah Spencer, Martin Ruhs, Bridget Anderson and Ben Rogaly.
A brief summary of the report can be found here.
Migrant work in the UK
Most people who work in the UK today can take comfort in being the main benefactors of labour movement struggles over the past century or so.
However, even if most of us are protected by laws, trade unions or just plain and simple custom and practice, spare a thought for the latest wave of migrant workers who rarely do.
An article by BBC News (England) today comments on the plight of migrant labour employed by the farming/food processing industries.
An excerpt from the article includes the words of a migrant labourer:
"I was known by a number and not my name, as we all were...
We had to put a sticker with our number on all the trays we packed and that is what the supervisors would call us ... I was known as 137...
We weren't allowed to talk to each other either. Eating was also a problem, there was no refrigerator and we only had one or two toilets for 100 workers."
The words of one person I accept. Similar to many reports from call centres, no doubt. However, is it a sign of a civil society where everyone who comes to be there is entitled to the same basic rights?
For more details see Migrant worker calls for reform by Heather Hinchley.
However, even if most of us are protected by laws, trade unions or just plain and simple custom and practice, spare a thought for the latest wave of migrant workers who rarely do.
An article by BBC News (England) today comments on the plight of migrant labour employed by the farming/food processing industries.
An excerpt from the article includes the words of a migrant labourer:
"I was known by a number and not my name, as we all were...
We had to put a sticker with our number on all the trays we packed and that is what the supervisors would call us ... I was known as 137...
We weren't allowed to talk to each other either. Eating was also a problem, there was no refrigerator and we only had one or two toilets for 100 workers."
The words of one person I accept. Similar to many reports from call centres, no doubt. However, is it a sign of a civil society where everyone who comes to be there is entitled to the same basic rights?
For more details see Migrant worker calls for reform by Heather Hinchley.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)