Layered vulnerability: Temporary migrants in Australian horticulture

Elsa Underhill · Malcolm Rimmer

73 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Industrial Relations

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Employment, Labor, and Gender Studies Labor Law and Work Dynamics Migration and Labor Dynamics

Abstract

Australian horticulture (fruit and vegetable production) relies upon a seasonal harvest workforce, much of which now consists of temporary migrant workers. This article argues that the composition of this workforce and the character of the work lead towards layered vulnerability, some groups being more exposed to low pay and substandard working conditions than others. Formally at least, employment conditions are generally protected by the federal Horticulture Award (2010). But are decent employment standards consistently observed? The article explores this question, examining three issues. First, does analysis of workforce composition reveal different tiers in the workforce, some more vulnerable than others? Second, do the casual nature of harvest work and the job search processes used by temporary migrant workers create disadvantaged groups? Third, does evidence about pay, working hours and work intensity reveal some workers to be more vulnerable than others? The article concludes with an examination of those factors that appear to be associated with layered vulnerability in the harvest workforce, and considers some policy implications.

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References

2010Migration, immigration controls and the fashioning of precarious workers 2011The Precarious Migrant Status and Precarious Employment: The Paradox of International Rights for Migrant Workers

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