Worker type: Farm Workers

Welcome to the newest edition of Migrant Farmworkers United, your place to find all upcoming activities and important news!

Have something to share? Want to see something more included? ✅ Send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840.

📰 News

• 🗳️ ELECTION: On April 28, the new federal government will be decided in Canada. To stay updated, join the WhatsApp announcements or Facebook group! Message Kit to join: 905-324-2840.
• ‼️ NEW PROGRAM CHANGES: The Canadian government is creating a new program called the Agriculture and Fishery Processing Stream. But will these changes benefit workers and your families, or profit the bosses more?​
  • 📝 Use this survey tool to share what you want to see: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mwacFW2025
  • Then, join the online meeting on May 4 to learn how & why these changes are happening – and how we can use our voice together to speak up for justice. Tap this link to sign up: actionnetwork.org/events/may4-focusgroup​​

🗓️ Events & Actions

• 📝​ April 25-May 26​: Online survey to speak up about changes to the farm work program: surveymonkey.com/r/mwacFW2025
• 🗣️ May 4, 6:30-8pm: Online meeting to learn how & why these changes are happening – and how we can use our voice together to speak up for justice. Tap this link to sign up: actionnetwork.org/events/may4-focusgroup​
• 🁊 May 24, 7pm: Dominoes tournament in the Niagara Region. Message for location.
• ✊🏾 Ongoing: TREAT FARM WORKERS FAIR sticker action. Coming soon to a grocery store near you!

To learn more about these activities in May, send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840.

👥 Meetings

• 🤝🏾 April 28, 8pm: Monthly farmworker members meeting (online)
• 🗣️ May 4, 6:30-8pm: Online meeting to learn how & why program changes are happening – and how we can use our voice together to speak up for justice. Tap this link to sign up: actionnetwork.org/events/may4-focusgroup
• 🤝🏾 May 26, 8pm: Monthly farmworker members meeting (online)

Thinking about joining a meeting in May? We’d love to see you! Just send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840.

✅ Stay up-to-date

News and information is constantly changing. Make sure you’re on top of what’s going on!

1. Join the Facebook group. Tap here to add yourself to the group and get all the latest news: facebook.com/groups/farmworkersunited
2. Join the WhatsApp new announcements group. Tap this link to join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FZNXnZLmZ0R3EKuNg7ZLix. Or send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840 with the words “EQUAL RIGHTS” to be added. This list is private and confidential.
3. Follow us on YouTube. More videos will be added each month, don’t miss out! Tap here to watch: youtube.com/mwaccanada

⚠️ Report abuse & unsafe work

As always, remember to get proof if you are facing any kind of disrespect, abuse, or unsafe conditions at work or at the bunkhouse. You have rights and options! But without any evidence, your options are limited.

Contact Kit on WhatsApp at 905-324-2840 to learn more about your rights. Everything you share is private and confidential. You are not alone. We are here for you.

United, we are stronger!

While living and working in Canada to provide for your family, you deserve to stay healthy and safe. Do you agree?

Sign up for our free online meeting on April 13 to learn how to protect yourself from abuse and unsafe conditions. Let’s work together to keep you healthy and safe this season, so that you can continue supporting your family and loved ones!

To join, sign up using the form below. Everything you share is private and confidential.

Questions or concerns? Contact MWAC organizer Kit on WhatsApp at 905-324-2840.

It’s officially springtime and many seasonal farm workers have returned to Canada for another season! While we are grateful for many returns, we also mourn our coworkers who were killed or injured on the job last season, or who were not called back this year. We will not stop fighting for safer workplaces and a better life for all migrants.

We’re always looking for new people to unite with us and take action to win!
Want to get more involved? ✅ Send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840.

📰 News

• 📣 ACTION: On March 21 for Fight Racism Day, MWAC Caribbean farm worker members organized our FIRST action of the year! We called the Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendaya, and invited our friends, family, and coworkers to take action with us. We told Minister Bendaya to say NO to unfair immigration cuts and YES to equal rights and permanent status for all! Tap here to watch a video message from MWAC farmworker member, Casius.
• 🗳️ ELECTION: On March 23, a federal election was called in Canada. Parties are campaigning now and on April 28 the new government will be voted in. Whoever wins, we will continue to fight for equal rights for all migrants! On April 13, join the online meeting to learn more about how we can use the elections to speak up about migrant rights.
• ‼️ NEW CHANGES: If you’re on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (8 month contract or less), there are changes to your contract this year – including more $ deducted from your pay. Tap here to see your new 2025 contract and get more information about changes to your rights in Canada. Then, join us online on April 13 to learn more about how to protect yourself in Canada!

“Immigrants in this country are facing a lot of abuse, a lot of discrimination, so we’re asking you to join us and stand up together. United we are stronger!

– Casius, MWAC Farmworker Member

🗓️ Events & Actions

• ✊🏾 Sun, April 13: Rights Night for Migrant Farm Workers (online). Join this free training to learn about changes to your contract this year and how to protect yourself while in Canada! Tap here to sign up (free & confidential): migrantworkersalliance.org/april13-fwmeeting
• 🌊 Sun, April 27: Sightseeing trip to Niagara Falls. Let’s visit the Falls together and put up some posters for migrant rights along the way!
• 🕯️ Mon, April 28: National Day of Mourning. In Canada, workers observe this day to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace.

To sign up for these events in April, send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840.

👥 Meetings

• 🤝🏾 March 31, 8pm: Monthly farmworker members meeting (online). These meetings are where members come together to discuss ideas and make important decisions about actions and events.
• 🫂 Saturday in April TBD: Support meeting (online). Join this supportive space to connect with other migrants like you as we encourage and uplift one another.
• 🤝🏾 April 28, 8pm: Monthly farmworker members meeting (online)

Thinking about joining a meeting in April? We’d love to see you! Just send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840.

✅ Stay up-to-date

News and information is constantly changing. Make sure you’re on top of what’s going on!

1. Join the Facebook group. Tap here to add yourself to the group and get all the latest news: facebook.com/groups/farmworkersunited
2. Join the news & updates WhatsApp list. Send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840 with the words “EQUAL RIGHTS” to be added. This list is private and confidential.
3. Follow us on YouTube. More videos will be added each month, don’t miss out! Tap here to watch: youtube.com/mwaccanada

⚠️ Report abuse & unsafe work

As always, remember to get proof if you are facing any kind of disrespect, abuse, or unsafe conditions at work or at the bunkhouse. You have rights and options! But without any evidence, your options are limited.

Contact Kit on WhatsApp at 905-324-2840 to learn more about your rights. Everything you share is private and confidential. You are not alone. We are here for you.

United, we are stronger!

March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Migrants in Canada face a lot of abuse because we don’t have permanent resident status. We are essential, yet excluded from basic rights and services. We are separated from our families and denied equal access to care. We build this country, but are blamed and punished for government policy failures in housing, healthcare, and affordability. It’s not fair!

This weekend – before the next election is called – we are uniting against racism and calling on the new Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendayan, and the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to 1) Stop the unfair cuts to immigration, and 2) Grant permanent resident status for all.

As migrant workers, our voices are powerful when we unite! Let’s come together and get louder for our rights.

Here’s an important message for you from MWAC member, Casius:

🤔 Is it safe to call?

This action is 100% risk-free, but it’s totally normal to feel nervous if you haven’t taken this kind of action before! Calling the Minister is private, and your call will not be traced. Your boss or immigration official will never know that you called, and taking action will not risk your job or immigration status in any way.

Still not sure if it’s okay for you to make a call? No problem! Keep reading for other safe actions you can take, or contact Kit on WhatsApp at 905-324-2840.

📞 How do I call and make my voice heard?

Here are 3 options to use your voice:

1. Call Minister Bendayan at 613-995-7691
2. Send a WhatsApp voice note with your message to MWAC farmworker organizer, Kit, at 905-324-2840. We will call the Minister and play your message.
3. Send a message to PM Carney using the action form below, or tap this link to make your voice heard.

Which action will you take to win change? Why not try 2 of them, or even all 3! Don’t forget to ask a friend to join you!

🗣️ What do I say when I call?

• My name is [your name] and I live in [your city].
• I am calling for Immigration Minister Rachel Bendayan. 
• I am calling on the Minister to STOP the cuts to immigration and stop blaming migrants for the crises in housing, healthcare, and affordability. Migrants are the ones who feed Canadians, build homes, and care for communities.
• I am also calling on the Minister to grant permanent status for ALL migrants – including those currently in the country and those who will arrive in the future.
• A fair society is one with equal rights and that’s only possible with permanent resident status for all.
• [Add anything else about why you support status for all, or how you have been impacted by immigration cuts – optional]
• Thank you

📝 How do I contact the Prime Minister?

Use this safe and easy action form to send a message. Your name and other personal information will not be shared with anybody else. This action will not put your job or immigration status at risk in any way.

It’s almost spring time and MWAC farmworker members have been working hard to prepare for this season! We’ve had two members’ meetings so far this year and created 3 committees: 1) Education, 2) Action, and 3) Social/Support. There are some exciting plans in the works, so stay tuned and stay in touch!

We’re always looking for new people to unite with us and win change for a better life.

Are you interested in getting more involved?
✅ Send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840.

📰 News

• 😡 SHUT DOWN: The only PR pathway for migrant farmworkers, the Agri-Food Pilot Program, is closed as of February 13, 2025. That’s not fair! Tap here to read more details and take action!
• 🗳️ NEW PRIME MINISTER: On March 9, the new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada will be chosen. This person will replace Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada. Tap here to send a message to the new PM!
• ‼️ NEW CHANGES: If you’re on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (8 month contract or less), there are changes to your contract this year – including more $ deducted from your pay. Tap here to see your new 2025 contract and get more information about changes to your rights in Canada.

“Whatever struggles you are going through, you are not the only one! When we unite, there is no weapon that can defeat us.”

– “Richard”, MWAC Farmworker Member

🗓️ Events & Actions

• 🍿 March 9: It’s FREE Movie Night in Niagara! Join us to relax, connect, and learn more about your rights in Canada. Tap here for more details and to sign up!
• ✊🏾 March 21-23: Status For All phone zap action

👥 Meetings

• 💬 March 2: MWAC members-only discussion in Toronto. Members tap here to register.
• 🤝🏾 March 31: Monthly farmworker members meeting (online). Want to get involved? Send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840.

✅ Stay up-to-date

News and information is constantly changing. Make sure you’re on top of what’s going on!

1. Join the news & updates WhatsApp list. Send a WhatsApp message to Kit at 905-324-2840 with the words “EQUAL RIGHTS” to be added. This list is private and confidential.
2. Join the Facebook group. Tap here to add yourself to the group and get all the latest news: facebook.com/groups/farmworkersunited
3. Follow us on YouTube. More videos will be added each month, don’t miss out! Tap here to watch: youtube.com/mwaccanada

⚠️ Report abuse & mistreatment

As always, remember to get proof if you are facing any kind of disrespect, abuse, or mistreatment at work. You have rights and options! But without any evidence, your options are limited.

Contact Kit on WhatsApp at 905-324-2840 to learn more about your rights. Everything you share is private and confidential. You are not alone. We are here for you.

United, we are stronger!

Canada recently shut the door on the only pathway to permanent resident status specifically for migrants on the farmwork program. As of February 13, 2025, the Agri-Food Pilot Program is closed after all available spaces (only 1,010 spots) were filled before the set closing date of May 14, 2025. Tap here for a link to the official Canadian government program website.

Why did they reduce the spots and close the applications early? Too many workers wanted to apply at a time when Canada is lowering immigration levels. The Canadian government is making it harder for working people to get permanent status.

This is not fair! All of us deserve to live with respect, to have equal rights, and to be together with our families. Do you agree?

That’s why migrant farmworkers like you are uniting to take action and win change together—including permanent resident status for all, with nobody left behind!

Did you try to apply for the Agri-Food Program?

Or were you planning to apply before it closed?

We want to hear from you; your voice is important!

Share your story with us on WhatsApp at 905-324-2840. Everything you share is private and confidential.

Are you a seasonal farmworker wondering about changes to your contract this year? Want to learn more about your rights in Canada so you can stay healthy and safe?

Join us for a free movie & information session on March 9! ✨ Watch a film about workers like you, ask questions, and connect with other workers. This event is safe to attend, and your participation is kept confidential.

Don’t miss out! Sign up below to get full details.

Did you hear about the seasonal farm workers in New York who united and won big time?

Keep reading to learn more, but first, an important update about what MWAC farm worker members have been up to.

It’s Black History Month! Have you seen the social media posts shared by our worker members?

“We’ve been feeding Canada for almost 60 years; isn’t it time we had equal rights?”

👉 February 11 is Canada’s Agriculture Day – tap here to see more photos of the first farmworkers to come to Canada. It also marks 2.5 years since MWAC farmworker members published an open letter exposing the unsafe and abusive conditions at two farms in Ontario. Watch the video below:

More interesting posts to come, so follow our socials and feed your mind!:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok

MAJOR NEWS

Migrant Caribbean workers united and won the first-ever union contract for farm workers in New York State! This is a huge victory. Some of the benefits they won in their contract: wage increase, 9 paid holidays, sick days, safety gear, and more!

👉 Tap here to watch a video of a worker talking about his new contract: https://fb.watch/xzEAk34q6p

Can this happen in Canada?

Current labour laws, set by each province, make it illegal for farm workers to join a union and bargain collectively. Does that sound fair to you?

Action brings change!

Here are 3 actions you can take this month to win change and fairness:

✅ Sign the petition below to demand equal rights for migrant farmworkers

✅ Join the Facebook group for news and updates: facebook.com/farmworkersunited

✅ Monday, February 24: Join the next farmworker online meeting to level up! For more info, send a WhatsApp message with the word “UNITY” to 905-324-2840

United, we are stronger. Let’s keep up the fight to win in 2025!