Union furious at BHP's overseas workers plan

[brendan]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/union-furious-at-bhps-overseas-workers-plan/2008/01/11/1199988590061.html

Here's a chance to think like an economist: why might the workers union dislike BHP hiring immigrant workers?

Hint: think about what immigration restrictions do to the local supply of labour.

[Collin Li]

They decrease it. This increases the wages of workers. It's obvious why the unions are furious at this increased competition.

Of course, this means that the companies have less choice (workers from abroad), and it means that our companies are potentially working less efficiently. I picked up a book in Borders the other day. It was called "Immigrants: why your country needs them." It sounded like a book I would sympathise with. I wanted to read more but I had a date... LOL I'm so nerdy.