Survey Reveals High Rates of Sexual Harassment Among Migrant Women in Australia
Migrant woman at a construction site – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL-E by OpenAI.
VOCABULARY LIST
Sexually suggestive (adjective phrase) /ˈsɛkʃuəli səˈdʒɛstɪv/: Containing inappropriate or sexual hints or implications.
Example: The survey found that sexually suggestive comments were the most common form of harassment.
Call for (phrasal verb) /kɔl fɔ/: To demand or request something publicly.
Example: The union called for changes to visa conditions to protect workers.
Roll back (phrasal verb) /roʊl bæk/: To reduce or undo something, such as policies or actions.
Example: The union wants to roll back the 88-day farm work requirement.
Reprehensible (adjective) /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnsəbl/: Extremely bad or unacceptable behaviour.
Example: The union described the harassment of migrant women as reprehensible.
Workplace exploitation (noun phrase) /ˈwɜkpleɪs ˌɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/: Unfair or abusive treatment of employees in their jobs.
Example: Many migrant women face workplace exploitation in Australia.
Step up (phrasal verb) /stɛp ʌp/: To take action or responsibility when needed.
Example: Employers need to step up and ensure safer workplaces for migrant workers.
Key role (noun phrase) /ki roʊl/: An important function or responsibility in a process or situation.
Example: Backpackers play a key role in Australia’s horticulture industry.
Retaliation (noun) /rəˌtæliˈeɪʃən/: Harmful actions taken in response to someone’s complaint or opposition.
Example: Many women fear retaliation if they report harassment at work.
Alarming (adjective) /əˈlɑmɪŋ/: Causing worry or fear.
Example: The survey revealed alarming levels of harassment across industries.
Widespread (adjective) /ˈwaɪdsprɛd/: Existing or happening in many places or among many people.
Example: Sexual harassment is a widespread issue in Australian workplaces.
ARTICLE
Migrant women working across various industries in Australia are facing shocking levels of sexual harassment, according to a recent survey conducted by Unions NSW. The survey, which included 3,000 participants, highlights widespread predatory behaviour and unsafe workplaces for migrant women.
Gabriela’s Story
Gabriela, not her real name, shared her experiences as a working holiday visa holder. She revealed she had been sexually harassed four times while working in Australia. One instance involved her supervisor, who was also the company owner, making inappropriate comments about her appearance, touching her backside, and attempting to kiss her while she worked as a cleaner on a construction site.
Survey Findings
The survey uncovered alarming statistics across multiple industries:
Construction: 82% of migrant women reported harassment.
Horticulture: 53%.
Hospitality: 51%.
Retail: 50%.
Cleaning: 41%.
Many migrant women endure sexually suggestive comments, intrusive questions about their private lives, and unwanted physical contact. Some also face repeated invitations to go on dates or inappropriate staring. The survey found that many women experienced multiple forms of harassment.
Despite these alarming numbers, 75% of women did not report their experiences. Fear of losing their jobs, retaliation from employers, or visa complications often kept them silent.
Calls for Action
Unions NSW secretary Mark Morey described the findings as “reprehensible” and demanded urgent action.
“Migrant women come to Australia seeking opportunity but are instead met with horrific workplace exploitation,” he said.
The union is urging the federal government to establish migrant worker centres that provide legal support and encourage women to report harassment. Additionally, they are calling for the removal of visa conditions, such as the 88-day farm work requirement, which they say puts workers in vulnerable positions.
“This requirement forces many workers into exploitative environments, making them reluctant to leave for fear of losing their visa,” Mr Morey explained. He argued that abolishing this condition is essential to improving workplace safety in the horticulture industry.
Responses from Industry Leaders
National Farmers Federation chief executive Tony Mahar condemned the harassment, saying there is “absolutely no place” for such behaviour in horticulture. He encouraged workers to report any wrongdoing immediately and emphasised the need for validation of the survey findings.
While Mahar acknowledged issues in some industries, he defended the working holiday-maker program. He pointed out that industries with the highest rates of harassment, such as construction, are not part of the program. He also highlighted the importance of backpackers in regional communities, noting that removing them could cost the horticulture industry billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs.
“Backpackers play a vital role in helping farmers provide fresh and affordable food,” he said. “Many have positive experiences and return home as ambassadors for Australia.”
Moving Forward
The survey underscores the need for systemic changes to protect migrant women in the workplace. By addressing visa vulnerabilities, improving workplace safety, and encouraging reporting, unions and industry leaders aim to create fairer conditions for all workers in Australia.
SOURCE:
This article is based on: https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/unions-nsw-reports-widespread-sexual-harassment-of-migrant-women/news-story/f07d40b9ffbcd2c868454e993fbb8720
