In a report published this summer, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata denounced Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), likening it to modern-day slavery. He also called for better access to permanent residency (which leads to citizenship) for migrant workers.
These migrant workers are increasingly numerous among our members in USW locals, factories, hotels and retirement homes. More than ever, these workers need their union’s help.
The current TFWP blocks temporary migrant workers from enjoying the same rights as others, let alone exercising them. These workers must depend on their employers and government to renew their permits. They often live apart from their families, cannot work for an employer other than the one identified on their work permit, are more vulnerable to layoffs and often spend vast sums of money to come to Canada.
Temporary migrant workers in Quebec experience immense stress, compounded by language challenges, difficulty in accessing French-language courses, the risk of injury and real fears about permit renewal, racism and arbitrary behaviour by bosses.
The labour shortage is here to stay, despite the recent economic slowdown. Companies in our regions likely will continue to need workers from elsewhere. These needs are permanent, not temporary. The jobs are permanent. Workers recruited from abroad, who are needed in our workplaces, must therefore also have permanent resident status.
As a union, we’re leading the battle so that our members, who are temporary foreign workers today, can be full-fledged citizens tomorrow. At every step along the way, their union must be there for them.
Supporting our members who are temporary migrant workers, defending their rights and focusing our attention on their situation will help us renew and revise our practices and better understand the challenges facing Quebec today and in the future.
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