Meat company Thomas Foods International is the latest company to front the Senate inquiry into the treatment of workers on 457 visas.
The Senate inquiry recently heard that more than half of its abattoir staff are backpackers and 457 visa workers, according to a report in The Weekly Times.
Five labour hire companies - none of which were reportedy able to be reached - were identified as supplying the meat business, and these companies have been underpaying workers, according to the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union.
The Union also claims that local people looking for jobs are being turned away, a claim that has been rejected by the company.
TFI’s chief operating officer David McKay reportedly said the company was forced to turn to international labour.
“Some Australians lack the work ethic and … drugs are affecting the eligibility of their employment,” he said.
