Most foreign workers are well treated in Ireland. But recent events have revealed a pattern of gross exploitation and law-breaking by a minority of unscrupulous employers that cannot be tolerated by the Government. Reform of the work permit system, the employment of extra inspectors and the imposition of heavy fines for breaches of minimum pay legislation would all contribute to a more equitable situation. But, above all, there has to be a change in an official mindset that adopts a security-based approach to migrant workers.
Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins has contributed significantly to the current debate in the Dáil by championing the cause of non-EU workers employed by the Turkish construction company, Gama. And while the company has denied mistreating its employees and secreting their money in Dutch bank accounts, it was found to have destroyed important records and to have underpaid its workers. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, has directed that further inquiries be instituted.
The economy needs foreign workers to generate wealth. But there is an official reluctance to improve their conditions, lest they become permanent residents. Non-EU workers are most vulnerable because their work visas are granted to a particular employer and, if they complain, they can be threatened with the sack and deportation. The recent case of Filipina beauticians, employed by a foreign company on behalf of Irish Ferries, was a good example. And the resolution of the case reflected well on Siptu officials. The Churches, the trade unions and various immigrant organisations have all asked that non-EU workers be given the freedom to change their employers, but the Government has resisted. At the same time, mechanisms designed to protect the rights of EU workers are seriously deficient.
As our Industry and Employment correspondent, Chris Dooley, writes elsewhere, the Labour Inspectorate charged with enforcing the law and preventing the abuse of workers has been compromised as a result of staff shortages, inadequate resources and a lack of enforcement powers. It is not good enough. Twenty-one inspectors have no hope of enforcing statutory employment conditions throughout the State.
An estimated 50,000 Polish citizens are now registered here and, since last year, they do not require temporary work visas. Because of that, they are increasingly likely to complain of exploitation. Some are instantly dismissed. Their embassy advises them to get another job or to contact a trade union with their complaints, rather than resorting to the slow and cumbersome process of official channels. It is a damning indictment of the quality of State support for such people.
Mr Martin has promised new work permit legislation. He needs to do more than that to protect basic human dignity. This is also an issue on which the trade union movement needs to initiate concerted action.