Farm Workers
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Know Your Rights
Currently the Canadian government only allows workers in certain industries to apply for permanent status. Watch these videos to learn if you are eligible:
If you do not qualify, you are not alone! The requirements for PR are too strict and leave most farm workers out. This is not fair! PR means equal rights, the power to protect ourselves and leave bad jobs, and the ability to reunite with our families. Farm workers like you are working together to push the Canadian government to give permanent status for all. Contact us to get involved.
Right now the Canadian government only gives open work permits to farm workers who can prove that they are experiencing abuse at their current workplace. If you are being abused or at risk of being abused at work and want to apply for this permit, contact us for support.
Everybody deserves the freedom to choose where they work and to be able to leave a bad job. This is why farm workers like you are organizing to win permanent status for all. Join us - together we are stronger!
Because migrant farm workers don’t have permanent status, families are being kept apart. Very few workers are able to meet the current requirements to get permanent residency. That is why migrant workers across Canada are demanding status for all now so we can be with our families.
Your employer is required to pay your wages and ensure your wellbeing while you are in quarantine. Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVlVMdYmv5g
The wage for farm workers depends on the province or territory where you are employed. You may be paid the minimum wage of your province, or the rate set by the Federal government every year for workers like you.
If you are required to move from one work site to another during work hours you should be paid for travel time.
For all provinces/territories except British Columbia, when you are paid by piecework, the rate must be enough that you are able to earn at least the minimum wage for every hour that you worked.
In British Columbia, when you are paid by piecework, the employer should pay you the rate approved in the "Minimum Piece Rates - Hand harvested crops". You must be paid at least the minimum wage as set out in the regulations. If you are not employed on a piece work basis, you are entitled to the hourly minimum wage as set by the province.
We deserve decent wages and working conditions, and the same rights as other workers. That is why we are coming together to demand better for migrant farm workers and permanent resident status for all. Join us!
If you are in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP), your contract allows the boss to take these deductions:
- $2.36/working day for utility costs (water, electricity, etc.)
- Up to $5.45/working day to your home country’s government. This does not apply to workers from Mexico.
- 10% of your gross pay each pay period to pay for up to 50% of air travel cost.
- $10/day if your boss provides you with reasonable and proper meals.
These deductions are money that should be going to support your families back home - paying for school fees, medical bills, and putting food on your family’s table. It’s not fair that Canadians who do the same work as you are able to bring home a full paycheque while you are stuck paying additional deductions. You and your coworkers deserve to be paid equally for the work you do, and this is only possible with full & permanent status for all. Are you ready to fight for it?
If you are in your home country, transfer requests can be made through your Ministry of Labour. If you want to request a transfer while you’re in Canada, you must go through your liaison officer. Unfortunately, any transfer requests made in Canada must be approved by your current employer. This is not fair and gives too much power to employers. You deserve the right to choose where you work!
To be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) you must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). Because of your temporary status, your SIN expires along with your work permit, so you may not be eligible for EI depending on the length of your contract. Some benefits require you to be in Canada to qualify. Get in touch with us to learn more about what benefits are available and if you qualify, and to connect with other workers who are fighting to win access to the benefits you pay into every year.
There are limited options to make official complaints safely. Depending on the issue, you may be able to file complaints anonymously. We can support you to raise your concerns in other ways, and by joining with other workers to make change. Contact us to discuss your options.
Current laws make it too easy for employers to leave us without work. You are not alone! We are not a job placement agency but we can connect you with other workers like you who are taking action together to win more rights.