Karl Flecker & Teresa Healy, Solidarity Center, 2015
SUMMARY
This publication “explore[s] a range of initiatives showing potential to effectively uphold, monitor and enforce adherence to labor regulation for workers employed under bilateral temporary migration schemes. Here we highlight two types of interventions intended to address rogue practices of labor brokers. First, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of state level interventions using legislative and administrative measures. Second, we evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of interventions undertaken by labor unions and other civil society organizations. What becomes evident is that migrant workers need broad social supports and connections with civil society, rather than isolation and direct dependency on labor brokers. Civil society and labor groups are well placed to extend supportive monitoring functions and importantly alternative forms of social supports to migrant workers. State relationships with labor brokers, however, need to be regulatory in nature and public officials must be prepared to use strong compliance, monitoring and enforcement measures with this industry.”