Marking United Nations International Migrant Day (Thursday 18th December) the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) today issued a reminder that during the current recession the plight of exploited migrant workers should not be forgotten.
Deputy General Secretary Dave Moxham said:
“At a time when many are concerned about there own job security it is important to continue to ensure that unscrupulous employers do not exploit migrant workers.
We welcome the Scottish Government’s planned employment rights information campaign which we hope will prove to be a valuable resource for vulnerable migrant workers who may experience exploitation.
Pauline Rourke, Chair of the STUC Women’s Committee added:
“The feminization of migration has come to the fore. Research, recently published by our colleagues in the TUC, suggests that female migrant workers may be more likely than any other group to be paid less than the National Minimum Wage.
“Lack of access to rights, be it employment or human rights, deny them opportunities to improve their lives in this country and keep them in poverty. Racism, xenophobia and sexism are daily experiences to the point that it is norm. To complain can also bring its challenges, and consequently, they are often frequently discouraged or even dismissed.”
ENDS For further information contact Dave Moxham 0141 337 8100