The Federal government of Australia has deregistered a labour hire firm after it was accused of modern slavery.

Linx Employment was under investigation after claims that its workers were mistreated.

Australian Workers Union (AWU) National Secretary Paul Farrow said, “Our members at Linx have told us management withhold workers’ visas, refuse to provide payslips, and resort to bullying and threats to send workers home when concerns are raised. Time and again our members have told stories of Linx management making excessive deductions from workers’ pay for substandard accommodation.”

Now the union says hundreds of Pacific Islander workers will be found new jobs after Linx had its license revoked overnight by the federal government after a sustained union campaign.

Linx workers were reportedly relying on charities across Australia to meet basic food and accommodation needs after ongoing problems at Linx. The AWU which represents the workers, tracked the vulnerable workers from Tasmania to Queensland.

Australia’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) met today with 221 Linx workers in Tasmania, Stanthorpe and Bundaberg to arrange ongoing employment and accommodation. The workers who have already left Linx and who are in legal limbo will also be assisted to find new employment by the Department.

“Our members at Linx are hardworking and willing to work, but many have been weeks or months without work and unlike other workers they cannot simply go to another employer,” Farrow said. “When local farmers have approached Linx with work for our members, Linx have blocked them. One in every two of Linx’s workers has left, what does that tell you about how happy they are? It’s important that Linx workers now ignore any directives from the company and deal directly with the DEWR.”

Linx claims to have a large database of local and international workers sourcing long-term employment solutions from the Pacific Islands. The company was founded in February 2013 supplying labour hire workforce options to the agricultural and viticultural sector comprising both local and overseas workers. Since then, Linx had expanded into a state-wide company encompassing aquaculture, hospitality, civil construction, and meat processing. 

"Our staff are committed to finding the right solutions for our Host Employers and offer a cost-effective model to enhance productivity within businesses," the Linx website reads.