LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
AFTER watching the ABC Four Corners program I am quite sad.
So many working holiday people that come from overseas are working in the Maffra and Sale areas.
Some are working as virtual slaves.
These people sometimes come to town, to shop or eat in the shopping centre.
Does anyone show care about the lives of those who are being exploited on some farms?
They have to cut vegetables for at least seven to eight hours; bending their knees cutting spinach for seven to eight hours.
Can anyone imagine that?
Bending and cutting for that many hours to be paid only $14 per hour on some farms.
I can list the farms.
These people are living in our town without work insurance.
Sometimes the living conditions are like a refugee camp.
Their wages are controlled by the contractor or even the farm owner.
In Australia, people care about human rights.
These things are happening to our friends, our neighbours.
Those affected don’t know how to seek help, the don’t know our labour laws, their English is limited and they are exploited.
