AMWU members in Adelaide have rallied in support of a 457-visa holder sacked for joining the union.
Fijian national Mohammed Khan was terminated without warning from his position as a diesel mechanic at Adelaide Isuzu in March, only days after joining the AMWU.
In Adelaide this week, AMWU National President Paul Bastian told a 60-strong rally that Mr Khan was the victim of a flawed 457-visa scheme.
“Workers on temporary visas are afforded the same rights as any Australian worker but because they are bonded to the employer, they are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.”
He said Mr Khan’s employer was hostile towards unions and had previously been investigated by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship over alleged abuses of 457 workers.
He called on Federal Immigration Minister Chris Bowen to launch an inquiry into the sacking.
“If breaches are substantiated the department should immediately prohibit Capem Group (Adelaide Isuzu’s parent company) from engaging any further 457 visa holders.”
"Mohammed Kahn is not a commodity for a company to treat as it wishes," Mr Bastian said.
"He's a human being, he's a fellow worker, and with that comes rights, fundamental human rights."
AMWU SA organiser Brendon Patchett said the company was the most aggressive he had encountered.
“Never before have I been physically and verbally attacked by a boss,”
“If they behave like that to someone they don’t know - I can only imagine what they do to their workers.”
Mr Khan thanked the members for their support and said he hoped to achieve reinstatement.
“I want to deeply thank everyone for their support. This has been a very stressful period.
“I have been a good worker, an honest and diligent worker for this company," he said.
"I cannot understand why someone can be dismissed just for joining the union.”
The AMWU has sought action against the company in the Federal Court, alleging a number of breaches of the Fair Work Act including freedom of association.
A pre-trial hearing has been set for the 2nd of May.
After yesterdays rally $268 dollars was raised by AMWU delegates to support Mr Khan. Further collections will be made in the coming weeks.