[Photo: FILE]

Pacific seasonal workers are facing pressure to sign employment contracts without fully understanding the terms.

Australian Workers Union representative Latileta Gaga states that workers have the right to ask questions and take time to read agreements before signing.

Gaga said workers must understand that putting their signature on a contract means they are acknowledging that they have read and understood its terms.

She urged workers to ask for more time to go through contracts and seek clarification before signing.

“Can you give me time to read through this again?” is the question Gaga said workers should not be afraid to ask.

She said the advice was aimed at addressing the power imbalance between Pacific workers and employers under Australia and New Zealand’s seasonal worker schemes.

Gaga rejected the idea that Pacific workers should feel indebted to Australia or New Zealand because they had been given an opportunity to work there.

“You also have that right to be protected.”

Gaga also revealed that a national consultative stakeholders committee has established a focus on the health and wellbeing of Pacific workers.

She said the committee had held its first meeting and was already raising health concerns affecting workers, particularly women.

Gaga said she would raise the concerns discussed with workers at the committee’s next meeting in October, with their permission.

She also raised concerns about accommodation arrangements and cultural competency.

Gaga said accommodation plans should take into account workers’ countries of origin and cultural needs, including appropriate arrangements for male and female workers.

She said failures to properly consider those needs could amount to cultural incompetence.

Gaga urged Pacific workers to report such concerns rather than remain silent.