Campaign for the Right to Change Employer

 

Give workers the right to change employer - it's just common sense!

The current employment permits system binds a worker to one employer. This is a leading factor in the exploitation of workers from outside the EU. The MRCI is calling for a simple administrative change from Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe, TD, and Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary, TD, which would give workers in the employment permit system the right to freely change employer.

For more see MRCI's policy paper Work permits and Exploitation: Time for Reform under Resources.


 

 

 

 

Testimonies


"I did all the cooking, cleaning, washing and childminding. I worked 12 hours per day, 6-days per week. I was paid €150 per week or about €2 per hour. The work permit is like a chain around your neck. I couldn't leave my job. I was told by my employer that if I leave I will be here illegally and not be able to find another job. He said I would be sent home in shackles." -Rosemarie


"I would get up at 8am and would not go to bed before midnight. I did not have any rest breaks other than eating and sleeping at night. As soon as one task was done I would do something else. I was paid €100 a month. When I asked my employer for a day off he told me that if I wanted one that I could go back to India. He would say "You are on my work permit!" -Surinder


The film below shows a real onversation between a domestic worker and her employers:

 

 

 

 

Take Action Now!


Download the campaign leaflet to find out more and help organise others to take action

Download the sample letter to Minister Dara Calleary



Latest Updates

 


Minister Calleary called before Oireachtas committee - 26 October
On foot of MRCI's presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise Trade and Innovation in late September, Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary, T.D. has been called by the Committee to appear to answer questions regarding the campaign for the right to change employer. The hearing begins at 2pm.  


Poll shows a majority in favour of the right to change employer - 25 October
According to an Ipsos MRBI poll conducting in late September, 60% of the Irish public believe that migrant workers with employment permits should be allowed to change employer without condition.
"Even in the midst of the current jobs crisis the majority of the public believe that ensuring workers are free from exploitation is paramount," says Bill Abom, MRCI Deputy Director. "People realise this is not about undermining government control or issuing more permits, but about protecting labour standards and affording basic rights to workers. Most agree that it's reasonable and common sense." 


Campaign Actions in County Mayo - 11 September
A group of migrant workers from around the country joined local migrant workers in Ballina, County Mayo, the home constituency of the Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary, TD. Activists and campaign volunteers collected over 600 signatures from local residents, petitioning Minister Calleary to give workers the right to change employer. Over 3,000 leaflets were also distributed to local homes.


Campaign on Newstalk Radio - 4 September
Melissa, a domestic worker on a work permit, explains why she remains in an exploitative job and why the right to change employer is so important. As for many workers with work permits, the risks associated with losing legal status are too great. (Global Village, Newstalk 106-108, 4 September). Click on 'Melissa's Story' in the Resources section to the right of this page to listen to the radio interview.


Campaign Actions in County Cork - 21 August
Migrant workers and allies from SIPTU in Cork took to the streets of Minister Batt O'Keeffe's local constituency in Ballincollig, County Cork. Over 3,500 leaflets were distributed to Minister O'Keeffe's local constituents informing them of the issue and encouraging them to urge Minister O'Keeffe to give workers the right to change employer.


 

Campaign Media Coverage

The Irish Times Work permits to foreign nationals drop 19% (4 Jan 2011)


RTE - Primetime Work permit system traps migrant workers (20 Apr 2010)

The Irish Times 'Policy change' required to alter permits for migrants (27 Oct 2010)

Irish Examiner Migrant workers ‘should be free to change jobs' (26 Sep 2010)

Irish Examiner Poll supports changes to work permit system (29 Sep 2010)

The Irish Times Migrant Workers 'powerless' (28 Sep 2010)

The Irish Times We want the right to change employer (3 Jun 10)

Irish Examiner Migrant workers demand meeting with O'Keeffe (3 Jun 10)

Irish Independent Migrants protest at 'inflexible and rigid' work-permit system (3 Jun 10)

The Irish Times Migrant workers stage Dublin protest (2 Jun 2010)

The Irish Times Maids are easy prey for middle class racists (28 Apr 2010)

Belfast Telegraph 'Slave worker' in Republic of Ireland awarded €200,000 (14 Apr 10)

The Irish Times  Work permit system 'leads to exploitation'  (14 Apr 10)

Irish Examiner Freedom of employment campaign (14 Apr 2010)

Irish Independent Migrant worker awarded €200,000 over job 'slavery'(14 Apr 10)



Campaign Press Releases


Migrant Workers Stage Demonstration at Minister Batt O'Keeffe's Office (2 Jun 2010)

Workers in the Employment Permit System Deserve the Right to Change Employer (13 Apr 2010)