Vulnerable migrant workers at a western Sydney computer assembly site are being denied basic working conditions, says the AMWU.

Last week former and current workers from the company (operating under the name Foxteq) described to Fairfax Media the disgraceful state of employment. 

One worker Tan Cuong Vo recounted how he was threatened with the sack for taking time off during the birth of his daughter.

“I only took one day off when she was born, I was scared about losing my job.”

The AMWU understands workers are expected to be available on a full-time basis including overtime, everyday and on the weekend.

However they are only told of their work arrangements day to day or in some cases hour to hour.

Another former employee Sokhemara Ngo agreed the rostering arrangements were untenable.

“You can’t organise your life when you have no idea whether you’re working from one day to the next.”

“This is a vulnerable workforce, mostly new migrants with few skills or work opportunities,” said AMWU State Secretary Tim Ayres.

“Foxteq is part of the same international technology group as Foxconn, a company that has already been exposed for the poor treatment of workers in China and India.”

A safety inspection by the AMWU of Foxteq’s Rydalmere factory revealed some serious concerns including dangerous irregular power cabling.

“If Foxteq wants to operate in Australia, it must comply with Australian standards, rather than import unsafe insecure practices from Asia,” said Mr Ayres.

The AMWU has demanded the company Foxteq supplies, computer giant Hewlett Packard, request secure, stable employment for the workers.

“We are exploring all avenues available to us to ensure these substandard working conditions change and workers are offered secure jobs with fair entitlements,” said AMWU organiser George Simon.

“Some of these workers have been here as casual staff for many years. They should be given permanent status.

“Foxteq need to start treating their workers as human beings, not robots.”