Category: Uncategorized

Migrant Students

Migrant Students United: Events & Activities

Current & former international students: Sign up and join others like you for upcoming actions, workshops, socials, and activities.

Scroll to see events in Toronto and across the country.

Toronto / GTA

November 9: Popcorn and Movie Night!

Get cozy, eat popcorn and watch a movie with others like you. Popcorn, snacks and hot drinks provided. Register below so we know how much popcorn to get.

Thursday November 9 from 6pm-8pm
MWAC Offices – click here for map
720 Spadina Avenue, suite 223

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Sign now: Fairness Agenda for Migrant Students!

Current and graduated international students (Migrant Student Workers) are now the largest group of temporary migrants in the country. We are uniting as migrants for our rights, for justice and dignity. 

Sign the petition to #MakeItFair: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUFairness

If you are part of an organization, endorse the Fairness Agenda platform so we can unite: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/FairnessAgenda

ENSURE STATUS FOR ALL MIGRANT STUDENT WORKERS

  • Fix Express Entry: Fair CRS calculations, predictable draws, no one left out
  • Value all work in immigration selection: In any NOC/TEER, work done on the study permit, in co-op
  • No exclusions: PR status for all regardless of age, immigration status, work, language and education requirements

FIX PERMITS

  • Permanently end the 20 hour work rule for study permit holders
  • Make PGWP renewable, and include private college students
  • Allow co-op work authorization without extra permits 
  • Permit protections for vulnerable and destitute migrant student workers
  • No industry of work restrictions

LOWER TUITION, ENSURE GOOD JOBS & ALL SERVICES

  • Fair tuition: No differential treatment, caps on tuition increases, stop the fees 
  • Ensure access to employment and decent work; end wage theft and labour exploitation. 
  • Ensure full access to all services including healthcare, housing, jobs, scholarships, and in-school support
  • Ensure family unity

Revoke GoBolt CEO Mark Ang’s Award!

GoBolt CEO Mark Ang recently fired 23 electric vehicle parcel delivery drivers in the middle of union negotiations, and the company has stated its disgraceful plan to replace all of its good, full-time delivery jobs in North America with drivers hired through third-party contractors. GoBolt is currently facing an unfair labour practice case at the OLRB. Send an email now to EY “Entrepreneur of the Year” Awards and let them know Mark Ang has no place being honoured until he rehires workers and resumes union negotiations.

We appreciate your support for GoBolt Drivers Unions.
We know that Mark Ang is firing drivers across North America, and has plans to fire many more. GoBolt management has shown that they prefer mass termination to good-faith negotiation, and we will continue to oppose this.

Support Workers and Donate to our Organizing

If you would like to donate to our organizing efforts, please do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-gobolt-drivers-fighting-unionbusting/share

Follow us to support our campaigns

Facebook: GoBolt Drivers Union
Instagram: @goboltdriversunion
Twitter: @goboltdrivers
Website: www.gobolt-drivers-union.com

Sign our petition in support of the GDU

Sign our petition in support of the GDU, it will show community support for us at the OLRB: https://www.change.org/p/help-the-entire-workforce-at-gobolt-who-were-fired-in-the-midst-of-union-negotiations

We will keep you posted with updates and upcoming actions.

United, we are stronger!

GoBolt Drivers Union, Teamsters Local 938

Trabajador@s Agrícolas

¡Complete la Encuesta del Gobierno de Canada para Trabajador@s Migrantes y Defienda sus Derechos!

El gobierno federal está pidiendo a l@s trabajador@s migrantes temporales que compartan sus opiniones. Esta es una gran oportunidad para defender sus derechos y compartir su opinión.

¿Por qué debería llenar la encuesta?

  • ¡La encuesta es anónima!
  • Puede decirle al gobierno lo que realmente piensa.
  • Sólo le tomará 10 minutos.

Pero recuerde:

  • No basta con compartir tus ideas.
  • Únase a otr@s trabajador@s migrantes como usted llamándonos o enviándonos un mensaje de WhatsApp para saber qué más puede hacer.

¿Cómo completo la encuesta?

  • Cambie la encuesta a español: en la esquina superior derecha puede cambiar el idioma
  • Hemos incluido todas las secciones en la encuesta a continuación para que pueda saber de que se trata e inspirarse.
  • Resumimos cada sección en la encuesta, y nuestra sugerencia para las respuestas están resaltadas en amarillo
  • Puede leer todas las secciones a continuación y luego hacer clic en el enlace para iniciar la encuesta.

Haga clic en este enlace para comenzar: ¡Encuesta gubernamental para trabajador@s migrantes y defienda sus derechos!

  • Puede utilizar las respuestas en amarillo a continuación para inspirarse o puede copiarlas y pegarlas en la encuesta del gobierno federal.

Sección 1

Preguntas 1 a 5

Estas primeras cinco preguntas son preguntas personales como: ¿Alguna vez ha sido un trabajador migrante temporal en Canadá? El año que trabajó en Canadá, tipo de trabajo que realizó y dónde trabajó (provincia y ciudad).

Sección 2

Pregunta 6 

Le pregunta si estás en un sindicato.

Seccion 3

Preguntas 7 a 24

En esta sección encontrará preguntas sobre sus experiencias en Canadá, como información sobre sus cuales son sus derechos como trabajador migrante, dónde encontró dicha información. ¿Pudo ejercer sus derechos, condiciones de vivienda y de trabajo, mando una queja a la oficina de Empleo y Desarrollo Social de Canada (ESDC), solicito un permiso de trabajo para trabajador@s vulnerables?

Recuerde pensar en su peor experiencia en Canadá al responder estas preguntas. Cuando encuentre una casilla donde pueda escribir, aproveche esa oportunidad para decir por qué desea el estatus de residente permanente, porque es la manera en que puede protegerse contra la explotación. De ejemplos de dónde fue maltratado.

Sección 4

Preguntas 25 a 35

Esta sección solicita información demográfica como nivel de educación, país de origen, idioma que habla, género. Por favor responda en consecuencia.

Sección 5

Preguntas 36 a 39

Esta parte trata sobre su interés en regresar a Canadá y si le gustaria solicitaría la residencia permanente.

Utilice esta sección para reiterar por qué quiere la residencia permanente para tod@s y por qué no puede solicitarla, porque no hay acceso a la residencia permanente para algunos grupos de trabajador@s migrantes, como l@s trabajador@s agrícolas en el programa del PTAT

Sección 6

Enviar la encuesta: Aquí es donde encontrará el botón de enviar la encuesta.

Unámonos para asegurarnos de que Canadá haga lo correcto y otorgue el Estatus Permanente para Tod@s, incluidas las personas sin papeles y las que lleguen en el futuro. Firme la petición ➡️ StatusForAll.ca

Quiere mantenerse informado sobre próximos cambios, eventos y acciones envíenos un mensaje de WhatsApp ahora y guarda nuestro número en sus contactos telefónicos (Esta es una lista privada y confidencial, y no pondrá en riesgo su trabajo o estatus de ninguna manera):

Trabajadores Agrícolas: 647-807-4722

Trabajadores pesqueros: 506-251-7467

Care WorkersFarm WorkersFishery Workers

Fill out the Government Survey for Migrant Workers and Speak Up for Your Rights!

The federal government is asking Temporary Foreign Workers to share their opinions. This is a great opportunity to speak up for your rights. 

Why should you do the survey?

  • It’s anonymous! 
  • You can tell the government what you really think.
  • It will only take you 10 minutes. 

But remember:

  • It’s not enough to just share your ideas.
  • Join with other migrant workers like you by calling or sending us a WhatsApp message to learn what else you can do. 

How do I complete the survey?

  • We have put all the sections from the survey here below, so you can read them and get inspired. 
  • The sections in the survey are bolded, and our suggested answers are highlighted in yellow 
  • You can read all the questions below and then click the link to start the survey

Click this link to start: Government Survey for Migrant Workers and Speak Up for Your Rights!

  • You can use the answers below to be inspired or you can copy and paste in the Federal government survey.

Section 1

Questions 1 to 5

These first five questions are personal questions such as: Have you ever been a temporary foreign worker in Canada? The year you worked in Canada, the type of job you did, and where you worked (province and city). 

Section 2 

Question 6 

Asks you if you are in a union. 

Section 3

Questions 7 to 24

In this section you will find questions about your experiences in Canada, such as infomation about your rights as a migrant worker you know, where did you find said information. Were you able to exercise your rights, living and working conditions, send a report to ESDC, open work permit for vulnerable workers. 

Remember to think of your worst experience in Canada when answering these questions. When you find a box use that opportunity to say why you want permanent resident status because it protects you from exploitation. Give examples of where you were mistreated. 

Section 4 

Questions 25 to 35

This section asks demographic information such as level of education, country of origin, language you speak, gender. Please respond acordingly. 

Section 5 

Question 36 to 39

This part is about your interest in coming back to Canada, and if you would apply for Permanent Residency. 

Use this section to reiterate why you want permanent residency for all and why you cannot apply, because there are no access to PR for some groups of migrant workers such as Farmworkers. 

Section 6 

Send the survey – This is where you will find the Submit button for the survey. 

Let’s unite together and make sure Canada does the right thing and grants Permanent Status For All – including people without papers and those who arrive in the future. Sign the petition

➡️ StatusForAll.ca

Do you want to stay informed about upcoming changes, events, and actions send us a WhatsApp message now and save our number in your phone contacts (This is a private and confidential list, and will not risk your job or status in any way): 

Farmworkers (ENG): 905-324-2840

Trabajadores Agrícolas: 647-807-4722

Care workers: 647-782-6633

Fishery workers (English and Spanish): 506-251-7467

Do you work in Ontario for less than $16.55/hr? Your wages are going up!

Over 1 million workers in Ontario will see a wage boost on October 1, 2023.

Here are 3 things you need to know:

1. Wages are going up because workers fought and won!

In 2014, Ontario workers pushed for a law that ties wages to rising prices (inflation). Higher wages do not cause inflation. But because workers took action to tie minimum wage to cost of living increases, wages are going up. When we fight, we win!

What else can we win together?

2. Even if you make more than minimum wage, your wage will go up.

Every worker in Ontario making less than $16.55/hr before October 1 will get a wage raise, because workers like you pushed for changes and won! Check your paystub for your hourly rate, and make sure that you get paid $16.55/hr for all hours worked on and after October 1, 2023.

If your boss is stealing your wages, contact us for support!

Migrant Care Workers: 416-897-4388
Migrant Healthcare Workers (refugee & undocumented): 647-782-6633
Migrant Student Workers:  647-858-2854
Migrant Fishery Workers: 506-251-7467
Migrant Farm Workers (ENG):  905-324-2840
Trabajador@s Agrícolas (ESP):  647-807-4722

3. $16.55/hr is not enough!

We know minimum wage is not enough to live on – we need better wages to pay for rent, groceries, medical costs, school, and other essentials. Some workers are even excluded from the right to minimum wage. You and your co-workers deserve more!

Join us to fight for better wages and labour rights for yourself and others. To learn more, message an organizer from Migrant Workers Alliance for Change today:

Migrant Care Workers: 416-897-4388
Migrant Healthcare Workers (refugee & undocumented): 647-782-6633
Migrant Student Workers:  647-858-2854
Migrant Fishery Workers: 506-251-7467
Migrant Farm Workers (ENG):  905-324-2840
Trabajador@s Agrícolas (ESP):  647-807-4722

Farm Workers

Celebrate grape and wine season by thanking a migrant vineyard worker!

Before a bottle of wine reaches you at the store or a glass of wine is set on your table at a restaurant, the grapes are grown, harvested, and processed by migrant vineyards workers from Mexico, Vietnam, and Caribbean countries.

We are separated from our families for over half a year and miss out on family birthdays, graduations, and funerals. It’s heartbreaking to be away for so long and the days can seem never ending. Your support during the season encourages us to keep pushing through. We want to hear from you!

Farm Workers

Get the Facts: Family Open Work Permits for Farmworkers

You deserve to be together with your family – all migrants do! Sadly, the Canadian government keeps us separated by denying us permanent resident status. One way the government promises to unite migrant families is through measures like open work permits for family members.

What is the Family Open Work Permit?

For years, migrant workers like you have been speaking up and taking action together about family unity. In 2022 the Canadian government was pressured to allow more spouses and adult children dependents of some migrant workers to get open work permits in the country. (Read the government announcement here.)

This expanded government measure has 3 phases:

  1. Phase 1 started January 30, 2023 which is for family members of workers in the high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program. Farm workers are excluded.
  2. Phase 2 will expand to family members of workers from the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, after consultations with bosses. This phase will still exclude farm workers.
  3. Phase 3 is consultations with bosses in the agricultural industry to see if including family members of farm workers will benefit them and their business. It is not guaranteed that farm workers will be included after the consultations.

You can see how farm workers are shut out at every phase, this isn’t fair! That’s why we’re uniting together to take action and win change to the unfair system. Join us: Send a WhatsApp message to 905-324-2840 for more information about how you can make a change with us.

Tap here to take action now!


Who can apply?

  • Family members of workers in high-wage streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program

Not sure if your job qualifies as high-wage? You must be earning what’s called the “median hourly wage” or higher, which depends on what province in Canada you work.

Current wages for farmworkers in Canada are as low as $13/hour and we deserve so much more! That’s why we’re also fighting for higher wages, so our families will have more opportunities.

Do you agree that your family deserves more? Send a WhatsApp message to us at 905-324-2840 to learn how you can join our fight to win a better life!

Tap here to take action now!


Who cannot apply?

  • Farm workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program and the Agricultural Stream (Ag-Stream) of the Temporary Foreign Workers Program
  • Fishery workers who are not in the high-wage stream
  • Any migrant worker in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program who is paid low wages
  • Migrants with Open Work Permits for Vulnerable Workers who are paid low wages
  • Migrants with work permits who are also refugee claimants or H&C applicants
  • Migrants without papers/immigration status

To read the full requirements, tap this link: migrantworkersalliance.org/familyworkpermit

So many people are shut out of this measure, it’s not fair.

That’s why migrant workers are uniting together to take action and win change, including permanent resident status for all, so that we can all be together with our families!

Farm Workers

Migrant farmworkers: You have a voice, send a message to the new PM!

Take action below and let the new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, know that the world is watching! Let’s unite together and make sure Canada does the right thing and grants permanent status for all – including people without papers and those who arrive in the future.

Your message will only be sent once you hit the red “ADD YOUR NAME” button at the end.


Note: Your name and contact information will be kept confidential. This form is created by Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, a migrant-led worker rights organization whose leaders and members are migrant farmworkers, care workers, international student workers, and undocumented workers. Learn more about us by tapping the link here: migrantworkersalliance.org