Racist exclusion of migrants from National Minimum Wage

I spoke on Cyprus Mail’s News Digest podcast in my capacity as president of The Union of Doctoral Scientists Teaching and Research (DEDE) about the proposed exclusion of migrant workers in the agri-food sector and domestic workers from the National Minimum Wage policy.

(See below the press release of the Union of Doctoral Scientists Teaching and Research on the matter.)

Press release for the exclusion of migrant and refugee workers from National Minimum Wage

The Union of Doctoral Scientists Teaching and Research (DEDE) expresses its revulsion at the intention of the government, social partners, institutional bodies, as well as a large number of MPs, to exclude workers in the agri-food sector and domestic workers, from the National Minimum Wage, which is to be introduced in May.

These occupations employ, in the vast majority, migrants and refugees, the most vulnerable and impoverished social groups in the country, who work in conditions of modern slavery and need legal protection more than any other group of the population, as they do not even have the right to freely organise themselves into trade unions. DEDE considers it obvious that the proposed exclusion of these groups cannot be substantiated or justified outside of racist logic. The same reasons that justify the need to establish a minimum wage for all other professions also apply to these professions. Any exemption de facto targets migrants and refugees, prioritises people on the basis of origin, ignores the needs of migrants and refugees for a decent living in our country, and is a clear example of institutional racism.

DEDE calls on the government, MPs, as well as all other stakeholders, to reconsider this decision. It also calls on all trade unions to show solidarity with these working groups by actively supporting their labour rights. It is the duty of all trade unions to support the rights of all workers, especially the most impoverished and vulnerable.