Composite O (covering Amended Motion 55 & Motions 63 & 77)
Migrant Workers
“That this Congress recognises that the valuable contribution of migrant workers is integral to the fabric of many sectors of the economy including, for example, in engineering, food production and distribution and in our health & social care system.
“Congress is concerned that decisions to further restrict the visa rules of current and future migrant workers, through measures such as increases to the earnings thresholds for workers on visas, is not motivated by a desire to ensure decent wages and terms and conditions for these workers but is, instead, driven by efforts to appease the populist and far-right.
“Further, Congress is concerned that government proposals to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) combined with increases to the skilled worker visa minimum salary threshold risk systemic inequality and exploitation, particularly for young migrant workers and graduates.
“Congress recognises that such measures, including those requiring dependants of care workers to undergo a distinct visa application process, undermine the principles of unity, including family unity, and impose undue hardship and stress on workers contributing to our economy and our public services.
“Congress notes that:
- most workers from abroad have work visas that state ‘No access to public funds’; and
- that many of them have inferior contractual conditions to those enjoyed by other workers.
“Congress rejects both of these as discriminatory and believes that workers from abroad should enjoy the same rights as workers from the UK.
“Congress also recognises that measures potentially resulting in the termination of migrant worker visas could have a direct detrimental impact on other workers, such as those undergoing aspects of on-the-job training being delivered by migrant workers.
“Congress supports creating safe, legal routes for people seeking asylum, opposes policies that force dangerous journeys and calls for humane processing, expanded family reunion and protection for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
“Congress resolves to represent young migrant workers’ interests by calling on the General Council to campaign for:
- retention of the 5-year ILR pathway for work routes and to retain the graduate route at 2 years;
- institution of a clear and accessible pathway from Graduate to Skilled Worker visa; and
- removal of the link between skilled workers visa and a specific employer, and extend the grace period when moving jobs.
“Further, Congress, calls upon the General Council to:
- initiate constructive dialogue with both the Scottish and Westminster Governments and build pressure for the removal of detrimental and divisive aspects of current immigration policy;
- campaign for rights based, compassionate migration policies consistent with PCS’s Safe Routes position;
- campaign for increased funding and powers for labour market enforcement authorities;
- continue to challenge negative narratives around migrants in partnership with other organisations;
- press parties in the Scottish Parliament to legislate to allow access to benefits agreed by the Scottish Parliament to all employees on work visas; and to publicly guarantee that the Scottish Government will take over sponsorship of any worker from abroad dismissed by his/her employer for trade union activities or for demanding rights enjoyed by non-migrant workers.”
Mover: Unite the Union
Seconder: Prospect
Supporters: Dumfries and Galloway Trades Union Council
Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)
RSS