Injured migrant farmworkers fight for fair compensation from WSIB
A group of injured migrant farmworkers is demanding action from the Workplace and Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) at a community delegation in Kitchener on Monday afternoon.
“Every year migrant workers are dying because the conditions are difficult, they are dangerous,” said Gabriel Allahdua, a former migrant worker at the protest. “After getting injured you still have to fight to get treatment.”
In an open letter, the group Justice for Migrant Workers, made up of injured migrant farmworkers and allies, said it is fighting for fair compensation and respect from the WSIB.
The injured migrant workers, formerly employed by Canada’s temporary worker program, believe there are systemic issues in the workers' compensation system in Ontario and across Canada.
“The WSIB in Ontario does not treat us like we are human. There are power differences between us as workers and our bosses. The system is set up for the bosses, not for us. Our voices are not taken seriously,” the letter said.
“Spanish-speaking migrant workers, for example, we don't see [help with] the language issue. They don’t get an interpreter to help them when they see the doctor. When they want to talk to the WSIB, they don’t get any interpreter,” said migrant worker case worker Belia Berrocal at the event.
The group listed their demands:
- WSIB must stop the practice of deeming migrant farmworkers and cutting wage loss benefits
- WSIB must support Spanish-speaking and non-English-speaking injured migrant workers
- WSIB must support workers who choose to stay in Canada for treatment
- No more deaths and injuries for migrant farmworkers
- Return the WSIB surplus to injured workers
- Permanent immigration status for all
The WSIB responded to CTV News addressing the demands.
“Unfortunately, due to the contractual limitations of the Federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and the limitations on work visas, the WSIB is unable to provide retraining opportunities for migrant workers while in Ontario,” said Christine Arnott the Public Affairs Manager with WSIB in one part of an emailed statement.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, temporary foreign workers have the same rights as any worker in Ontario.
The Ministry told CTV News in an email it has hired more than 100 new workplace inspectors and doubled the capacity of support phone lines, including accessibility in multiple languages.
The federal office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion said in an emailed statement:
“The allegations raised by the workers about mistreatment by employers is disturbing. Our Government takes its responsibility to protect the health and safety of temporary foreign workers, as well as the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, very seriously. There are measures in place to protect workers from exploitation, mistreatment and abuse. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is complex and multi-jurisdictional. In this specific case, the aspect of the WSIB falls under the jurisdiction of the Ontario government. With that said, our government is working to ensure that migrant workers are protected in Canada. Recently, new Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations came into force on September 26, 2022, which will enhance the protection of migrant workers in Canada, and address persistent gaps with respect to employer compliance.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.