Unions label government's push for more working holiday visas a 'kick in the guts'

The Australian government says an increase in the number of working holiday visas would help fill job shortages in regional areas but unions are furious about the plan.

CFMEU National Secretary Michael O'Connor said the increase in working holiday visas was a "kick in the guts" to local workers. Source: AAP

A pledge to increase the number of working holiday visas for Polish nationals has riled unions who are convinced the plan will lead to increased worker exploitation.

From this month the Morrison government is boosting the number of visas for Polish working holiday makers by 1,000 spots.

Immigration Minister David Coleman says the proposal aims to push more young people into the regions to fill skill shortages and strengthen cultural ties.

But CFMMEU National Secretary Michael O’Connor has labelled the move a ‘kick in the guts’ to local workers.

Read the full article in English here.