Non-EU workers who arrived here on permits were being "grossly exploited" by some Irish employers, delegates heard on the second day of the SIPTU south west regional conference in Killarney on Saturday.
An emergency motion calling for a review of the current work permit system under which non-EU nationals are employed in Ireland and its replacement with a work visa system that would allow employees to change employment was passed unanimously.
The current work permit system was "a breeding ground for exploitation", Mr Ger Kennedy, assistant branch secretary of Limerick No 1 branch, said, moving the motion at the 500-delegate conference. While many employers treated their workers fairly, "far too many are being subjected to gross exploitation by Irish employers".
Workers were being denied proper rates of pay, paid annual and public holidays, proper rest breaks and acceptable working hours, "while on the other hand they are being charged exorbitant rents and utility charges in crowded accommodation provided by their employers," he said.
The work permit system amounted to a form of bonded labour as the permit was the property of the employer; if dismissed, workers could not legally obtain alternative employment.