Category: Uncategorized

Migrant Students

International Student Campaign Update: What’s Going On?

Read updates below about what’s going on in our campaign to win changes to permit and immigration rules.

Current & former international students! Register to join the monthly organizing meeting to hear about what we’re up to and make plans for what’s next: Wednesday June 1, 7pm EST / 4pm PST

If you haven’t already, sign and share this petition to demand fairness for all of us: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUFairness

Here’s why: 

The announcement

On April 22nd, the federal government announced that they would create open work permits for migrant students whose post-graduate work permits were expiring or expired. 

Problems with the PGWP open work permits

But there were two major problems. First, the program is only open to those whose permits have expired or will be expiring between January 31, 2022 to December 31, 2022. And second, while the promise was made, applications have still not opened. In the meantime, permits continue to expire, which means we are losing jobs, status, and our access to healthcare, income and wages. 

Why this change happened? 

This change, as you know, happened because current and former international students like you are organizing together across the country, signing petitions, joining press conferences, making phone calls, and organizing rallies and protests. We win access to our rights, when we take action collectively. 

What about the CEC draws?

The government also announced that the CEC draws would be opening in July. As you know, there have been no draws since September, so it would be 10 months by the time the draws re-open. As we wait, many of us are losing points and are worried that we will not get invited for PR because the CRS scores will be so high and there are limited spots. 

What about valuing all work?

Many of us work in school, we work part-time, and in essential, low-waged (NOC C & D jobs) and sometimes for cash. Yet none of this work counts towards PR in current immigration programs. We are essential yet excluded. The federal government’s announcement does not make PR rules better for any of us. 

What about study permit holders?

We continue to pay high tuition fees and rent, can’t get scholarships or income supports, and everyday prices rise at the grocery store and the gas pump. At the same time, when we work more than 20 hours, we face exploitation. Minister Fraser did not announce any changes for current study permit holders.

So, what do we do next?

The changes to the PGWP program are supposed to come into effect in June, so we have just a few days to make sure that no one is excluded. Last week, Migrant Students United sent another letter to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, and on Friday, we met with staff from his office. Clearly, when we are loud together, the government will pay attention. So we must get even louder. Here’s how you can do that and raise your voice:

++ Register to join the monthly organizing meeting to hear about what we’re up to and make plans for what’s next: Wednesday June 1, 7pm EST / 4pm PST: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUGMM

++ Sign up to join or organize a postering or petitioning action near you: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSU2022Action

Any day now, we will get the government to do the right thing, and change the start date of the open work permit program to include those whose PGWPs expired last year. But that won’t be enough. Together, we will continue to speak up for our rights at work, at school, and for permanent resident status for each and every person in the country without it. 

If you haven’t yet, sign and share this petition: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUFairness

United, we are stronger!

Migrant Students

May 28, Toronto Action: Renew PGWP without Exclusion, Ensure Equal Rights, Fairness and PR Status for All Current & Former International Students

Current & former international students like you are gathering in downtown Toronto to take our message and demands for change to the public. Sign up now and join us!

WHEN: Saturday May 28, 3pm
WHERE: In front of Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W)

Come through, and share widely with your friends!

Migrant Students United is an organization of current and former international students who are uniting and coming together for equal rights, dignity, and permanent resident status for all. This year, we are continuing our campaign to win:

  • Renewable Post Graduate Work Permits without Exclusion, including Nov 27-Jan 31 expiry
  • End to the 20 Hour Work Rule on Study Permits
  • Real Access to PR for All: Lower CRS Scores, Speed Up CEC and Value All Work, including NOC C&D jobs, in-school and part-time work, without unfair age, language and status requirements

    Add your voice to the petition: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUFairness
Migrant Students

Migrant Student Workers Organize & Win Another Victory to Stop Mass Deportations!

We won. Today, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced changes to postgraduate work permit and immigration rules in direct response to migrant student workers like you who have been speaking up and taking action for equal rights and PR status for all! 

But too many are unfairly excluded. Only those whose postgraduate work permits expire after January 31, 2022 are eligible. And though CEC draws will reopen in July, there are half as many spots and too many of us will not qualify. The 20 hour work limit for study permit holders has not changed. 

We will continue to organize to ensure none of us are left behind. Wherever you are, take action!

TAKE ACTION WHEREVER YOU ARE

What did we win today?

We have created a short video on what we won today and what still needs to be changed. Watch and share it with your friends right now!

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

We are not stopping.

If you want to hear more about the changes we won, and what the next steps are, join the next monthly organizing meeting on May 4, 2022, 7pm Toronto time / 4pm Vancouver time.

Register now: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUGMM

United, we are stronger!

Job Posting: Communications, Databases and Digital Organizing Lead

Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC) is looking for an organizer committed to building and supporting worker power to win. The individual should be self-directed, a problem-solver and passionately committed to migrant and worker justice. We are not looking just to fill a role, we are looking for a comrade to join in the struggle.

For more information about us, check out our website at www.migrantworkersalliance.org 

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Digital Organizing and Communications Lead to implement and manage our CRM and digital communications system; to develop, organize and manage MWAC member, supporter and media communications; and to support communications for Migrant Rights Network.

Salary: $58,920-61,905 per year (based on experience. Salaries are set on a grid, with staff moving up a step each year).

Benefits: In lieu of benefits, an additional 10% of the salary will be paid until MWAC transitions to a benefits plan. 

Hours: The position is full time and entails a 35-hour work week. Some travel and evening/ weekend hours will be required.  The successful candidate must be willing to be flexible and work hours required to meet MWAC’s expectations. 

IS THIS JOB FOR YOU? 
This role may be perfect for you, if you: 

  • understand communications looks different for working class people 
  • are familiar with CRMs (we use Saleforce) 
  • know how to use email communication and digital communication tools
  • are strategic and can look at the big picture goals and know the small steps to get there 
  • are analytical and work well with deadlines and timelines 
  • have confidence in your abilities to do this role and will take ownership of your responsibilities 
  • have experience with social justice movements
  • are familiar with immigration and employment justice 

YOUR EXPERIENCE:
You are a communication pro with experience in a grassroots, volunteer OR work environment. You have experience:

  • Creating social media posts, email blasts, designing materials, and other verbal and written grassroots communications
  • Supporting work that centers and takes direction from racialized communities, women, migrants and/or low-wage workers
  • Managing external relationships (ie mainstream media journalist, vendors, etc) 

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

  • Managing systems and databases, including change management and troubleshooting (ie CRM, digital comms systems, etc) 
  • Creating new materials and communications including graphics, videos, newsletters and SMS
  • Helping get media attention on migrant matters
  • Build a clear vision and strategy for communications 
  • Updating all outward communications including websites and all social media accounts 
  • Collaborating and cross training with members and coworkers

To read the full job description, please click here. 

APPLICANTS
We encourage applications from migrants, Black people, Indigenous people, people of colour, women, people who identify with disability, LGBTQ+ people and people from other equity-seeking groups that face systemic discrimination.

We will prioritize qualified candidates with migrant experience and knowledge of Spanish and/or French. 

We understand that experience comes in different forms. If you believe you can do this role and you do not have all the qualifications, please still apply or reach out to us to discuss.

LOCATION
This position would usually work out of our office at 720 Spadina Avenue in Toronto, which is a collaborative and inclusive shared space with other decent work organizations.

TO APPLY
Please send an email to info@migrantworkersalliance.org with the subject line “Communications and Digital Organizing Lead” with a resume. 

In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the following questions [max 200 words per answer]:

  1. Why are you interested in working at MWAC as a Communications and Digital Organizing Lead?
  2. Please tell us about your experience creating copy, graphics, and other communication materials. Feel free to attach samples of social media graphics (including captions), media releases or posters you’ve created (no more than 3)
  3. Please tell us about your experience with CRMs and related databases.
  4. How have you supported work that centers racialized communities, women, migrants, low-wage workers or other marginalized communities?
  5. Are there ways we can meet your accessibility needs in this recruiting process?
  6. Would you like us to use specific pronouns when we refer to you? If you do not specify here, we will assume they/them/theirs until you tell us otherwise. 
Trabajador@s Agrícolas

3 cosas que tod@ Trabajador Agrícola debe saber del: Presupuesto federal de 2022

El 7 de abril de 2022, el partido político canadiense que actualmente esta en el poder (Partido Liberal) anunció su presupuesto, que incluye nuevos programas para continuar explotando a los trabajador@s migrantes. El presupuesto federal es importante porque nos muestra cuáles son las prioridades del gobierno. Incluye importantes cambios de políticas que afectan a los trabajador@s agrícolas como usted y otr@s trabajador@s migrantes en Canadá.

Si tienes alguna duda, envíanos un mensaje de WhatsApp al 647-807-4722.

Aquí hay 3 cosas en el presupuesto federal de 2022 que afectan a los Trabajadores Agrícolas:

  1. Se está construyendo y se llevara a cabo un nuevo programa de mano de obra extranjera durante los próximos 3 años. El programa es para agricultura y procesamiento de pescado. ¿Cómo será este programa y en qué se diferenciará de los programas que ya existen? En este momento no tenemos respuestas claras del gobierno. Pero sabemos que sin un estatus permanente, cualquier programa creado continuará explotando a l@s trabajador@s que de por si no tienen los mismos derechos.
  2. Se está creando un nuevo programa llamado “Empleador de confianza” que facilitará que los jefes contraten a trabajador@s migrantes como usted, sin asegurarse de que esté protegido en el trabajo. ¿Cómo sabrá el gobierno quién es un jefe de confianza y cuáles son los estándares que utilizará? El gobierno aún no ha proporcionado ninguna respuesta. ¡Póngase en contacto con nosotros por WhatsApp y cuéntenos que le parece este nuevo programa!
  3. El Presupuesto Federal 2022 continuara la explotación laboral, otorgara más poder al ministro federal de migración y no dará acceso a la igualdad de derechos que solo es posible a través del estatus de residente permanente. ¡Esto no es justo, usted y su familia merecen algo mejor!

¿Qué está dispuest@ a hacer para obtener los derechos y beneficios que merece? L@s trabajador@s agrícolas migrantes como usted se están uniendo con otr@s trabajador@s migrantes tomando acciones para lograr los cambios que beneficien a l@s trabajador@s y a sus familias, NO a los que se benefician de su arduo trabajo. ¡Únase a nosotros!

¡Envíenos un mensaje por WhatsApp al 647-807-4722 para saber cómo puede participar y para tomar acción el día del trabajo este 1 de mayo !Unidos somos más fuertes!