The Issue
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is not working. It allows some employers to exploit temporary foreign workers. Our office has met with many different Temporary Foreign Workers who have had difficulty.
Why It's Important
All workers in Alberta should have the same basic rights, regardless of where they are from, including:
- the right to be paid for their work, unlike these workers referred to in this letter to Hugh and the related Hansard exerts
- the right to a safe work environment, unlike these workers who were killed on the job
Other major concerns expressed by foreign workers include unfair payroll deductions, recruitment fees that are charged out-of-country and substandard accommodation.
Albertans are also harmed by the exploitation of foreign workers. Some companies may use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to suppress wages and erode working conditions.
What Should Be Done
- Allow temporary foreign workers only after other sources of labour have been exhausted.
- Expand the role and size of special advisory offices for temporary foreign workers province-wide.
- Prosecute businesses or individuals who violate foreign workers’ conditions of employment.
