The Status of Migrant Farmworkers in the BC Lower Mainland
Thursday, February 16th, 2012 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Global Lounge, UBC CAMPUS
Marine Drive Residences
2205 Lower Mall, Building 1
Join the Agriculture Workers Alliance and other students, activists, and concerned members of the community to learn more about the conditions of the workers who put food on your table and to hear testimonies from migrant farm workers in Canada. This is a free event and will serve coffee, tea, and snacks.
Thousands of migrant agriculture workers legally come from Mexico, Guatemala, and elsewhere to work in Canadian fields every year as a part of the Federal Government’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. Migrant agriculture workers work for up to 15 hours a day, seven days a week. They make a huge contribution to Canada’s economy. They pay taxes, Employment Insurance, and the Canadian Pension Plan. However, when workers ask for dignity and respect at their work place they are mistreated and blacklisted by their own Consulates instead of receiving protection. (www.ufcw.ca/stoptheblacklist).
In this dialogue you will have a chance to hear from the Agriculture Workers Alliance, who work directly with the workers to advocate for their human and labour rights.