Union protest backs sacked guest worker

Issue 

SYDNEY — The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) organised a community rally outside the Sombreros Mexican restaurant in the beachside suburb of Cronulla on March 7. The rally was to protest the sacking of chef Basilo Reyes for taking time off to have a cancer removed.

"Along with his wife and son, [Reyes] is now destitute", CFMEU NSW secretary Andrew Ferguson told the protest. "They have been forced to move out of their rented apartment because he is unemployed and has $7000 in medical bills which his employer has failed to pay, despite being required to under migration law."

The union says Reyes, sponsored on a 457 temporary work visa by the restaurant in February 2007, was victimised by the restaurant after complaining about poor food hygiene, which led to action by local council authorities. Reyes is also fighting to recoup lost wages after being allegedly underpaid.

The CFMEU is "demanding action from the new federal government to put an end to this type of exploitation of vulnerable guest workers", Ferguson said. Emails demanding that Sombreros pay Reyes his entitlements can be sent to , with a copy to the CFMEU atA HREF="mailto:<.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.