Temporary Foreign Worker Program Criticized for Fostering Contemporary Slavery
A “Breeding Ground” for Slavery, Says UN Report
A recently released international report says Canada’s temporary foreign worker program is a “breeding ground” for contemporary slavery. The final report by a United Nations special rapporteur who visited Canada last year says a power imbalance prevents workers from exercising their rights.
A worker’s status is dependent on a closed work permit that is specific to their employer. If an individual is fired, they may be deported from Canada.
Workers are subject to a wide range of abuses and aren’t always aware of their rights, the report says. It notes the government puts much of the responsibility for informing workers about their rights on the employer, “despite the obvious conflict of interest.”
Wage Theft, Long Working Hours, and Insufficient PPE
Special rapporteur Tomoya Obokata cites reports of issues including wage theft, long working hours with limited breaks and insufficient personal protective equipment.
Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Physical Abuse
The report also notes allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation, along with physical, emotional and verbal abuse.
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Difficulty Accessing Health Care
Obokata also found that workers have difficulty accessing health care. In some cases employers prevented people from seeking treatment, the report says, with some workers denied the necessary time off, encouraged to “take painkillers or home remedies instead” or even fired.
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Conclusion
The report calls for Canada to “end labour migration arrangements that foster exploitation by creating dependency situations that tie workers to their employers” and in which employers control the worker’s housing, health care and status.
FAQs
Q: What is the temporary foreign worker program?
A: The temporary foreign worker program allows employers to hire foreign workers for a specific period of time to fill labor gaps.
Q: What are the concerns with the program?
A: The program has been criticized for fostering contemporary slavery, with workers being subjected to wage theft, long working hours, and insufficient personal protective equipment, among other issues.
Q: What is being done to address these concerns?
A: The government has indicated plans to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada and has implemented rules requiring employers to make a reasonable effort to provide workers with access to health care if they are ill or injured.