Bermuda Public Services Union says it has a duty to advocate for migrant workers even if they’re not union members.President Kevin Grant said foreign workers considering moving to Bermuda can learn their labour rights and other key information through an online advice kit put together by BPSU and Public Services International.Mr Grant was speaking after The Royal Gazette reported how one Filipino nanny was practically held prisoner in a couple’s home for nearly two years and paid a total of $7,000, less than 20 percent of the money she was contracted to receive.Campaigners are calling for legislation to protect migrant workers, such as an interpreter to be present when they sign their contract to make sure they understand their rights.Yesterday, Mr Grant said the BPSU represents migrant workers within public health services, but also hopes to provide support for those not represented by any union.He said the migration pre-decision and information kit, released in December 2010, makes important details available to all foreign workers, regardless of their union attachments.“The mission of the BPSU is to promote effective labour and community relations by encouraging fair workplace practices safeguarding the conditions of service through consultation, negotiations, education and collective bargaining,” said Mr Grant.“Although we do not represent domestic migrant workers, our affiliation is that we do represent migrant workers within public health services and it behoves us to be vigilant and be advocates for workers’ rights and fairness in the workplace.“It is a fact that Bermuda’s small population limits our ability to provide workers in specific areas of public service, so we have to rely on migrant workers to fill this void.“To be fair to migrant workers, the Bermuda Public Services Union, in conjunction with Public Services International, spearheaded an initiative to produce a pre-decision and information kit for migrant and health workers who were considering being employed in Bermuda.”The document is titled “You have the right to decent work and decent living conditions” and was distributed internationally to PSI affiliates.It provides information on issues ranging from Customs and immigration processes, cost of living, banking, housing, transportation, other pertinent public services, and labour rights.Mr Grant said: “It is through this document that the BPSU hopes to provide support not only for workers who we may represent but for any migrant worker who is considering working in Bermuda.”Human rights groups say domestic and hospitality workers from Latin American and Asian countries are prepared to work for very low wages in poor conditions because the money is worth much more in their homeland.This newspaper previously reported how an Immigration Department investigation found a Filipino nanny was banned from leaving her employer’s home and mixing with other people, and made to work seven days a week and through public holidays without a break.Bank statements showed she was paid a total of $7,000 in two years whereas her contract stipulated she was supposed to receive at least $38,400; she has since returned to the Philippines.Immigration has taken steps to ensure her former employer’s new nanny is being in accordance with her employment offer. However, no legal action was taken over the matter.Bermuda Industrial Union has previously joined the Building Workers International group, which calls for Government to consider legislation to protect all workers.Useful websites: www.world-psi.org, www.bpsu.bm