12 Noon, Thursday 27 August
Centenary Court, Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) will turn out in force against the China Free Trade Agreement in Devonport on Thursday.
National President Andrew Dettmer, who will address the rally, said: “jobs for local workers must be guaranteed under any trade agreement signed – a fundamental test that this agreement fails.
“This is of particular concern in Northern Tasmania, which is already facing high unemployment.”
Under the FTA, Chinese corporations can bring in whole workforces for projects of as little as $150 million, under “Investment Facilitation Agreements” (IFAs) which allow for so-called ‘increased labour flexibility’.
“Despite the Government’s claims that labour market testing will apply, its own public information states that rules for these new IFAs will be based on Enterprise Migration Agreements – which do not require employers to advertise jobs locally before recruiting workers from overseas.
“We’ve also seen evidence that standard skills testing – that applies to Australian workers – will not apply. Which means workers such as electricians and auto mechanics will not face mandatory skills tests.
“It’s absolutely disgraceful.”
Mr Dettmer is available for interview
ENDS
Media Contact: Andrew Dettmer 0419 899 345