Several US lawmakers have proposed revisions to visa laws to include measures allowing former employees to contest their layoffs after a number of American workers lost their jobs to immigrants from countries, including India, on H-1B and other work visas, a media report said on Sunday.

The New York Times report said while corporate executives have been outspoken in defending their labour practices, the American workers who lost jobs to global outsourcing companies have been largely silent.

“Until recently. Now some of the workers who were displaced are starting to speak out, despite severance agreements prohibiting them from criticising their former employers,” the report said.

It cited the example of former Abbott Laboratories employee Marco Pena, who was among about 150 technology workers laid off in April by the global healthcare conglomerate.

Non-disparagement clause

Pena and the other laid-off employees “handed in their badges and computer passwords, and turned over their work to a company based in India”. Pena said he had decided not to sign the agreement that was given to all departing employees, which included a non-disparagement clause. Pena said his choice cost him at least $10,000 in severance pay.

The report said leading members of the US Congress from both major parties have questioned the non-disparagement agreements, which are commonly used by corporations, but can prohibit ousted workers from raising complaints about what they see as a misuse of temporary visas.

Lawmakers have proposed revisions to visa laws to include measures allowing former employees to contest their layoffs

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