Tuesday August 19, 2008
(Toronto) Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW) a grassroots collective of community, labour, academic and faith based activists are joining the chorus of supporters celebrating the victorious campaign against the decertification of a local union in Southwestern, Ontario. On Friday August 15, 2008 Presteve Foods, a fish processing plant located in Wheatley, Ontario became the first plant in Canadian history to successfully stave off a decertification vote by a workplace that’s labour force is comprise of a majority of migrant workers from Thailand and Mexico. The Vote was held under the supervision of Jim Bowman former Senior Labour Relations officer for the OLRB. Both migrant workers and Canadian workers voted overwhelmingly to continue to be represented by the Canadian Autoworkers Union local 444. Despite a wide range of threats and intimidations initiated by the employer including threats of deportation, mass firings and plant closures workers across racial, ethnic and linguistic differences worked together to support retaining the union
Chris Ramsaroop national organizer for J4MW states that “this is a historic day in the struggle for migrant workers. Despite employer attempts to divide and rule workers, workers came together, fought together and will continue to strive to ensure that the rights of migrant and non migrant workers will be enshrined in their collective agreement. Ramsaroop hopes that this will lead to a greater understanding amongst Canadians about the plight of migrant workers and how Canadian laws are responsible for migrant workers to work and live under precarious conditions. “While there has been a common myth that migrant workers are strike breakers or are responsible for brining down the wages of Canadian workers, the reality is that migrant workers are demanding their rights to fair and equitable treatment under the law. Our collective struggle is to challenge immigration and labour laws that work in conjunction in creating exploitative conditions that migrant workers face,” continues Ramsaroop.
Besides the significance that this vote symbolizes, it also sends a strong message to Government representatives, employers and the greater community that migrant workers are asserting their rights against exploitation, vulnerability and the expansion of employer driven immigration programs such as the temporary foreign worker program, seasonal agricultural worker program, and the live in care giver that the government is attempting to implement.
Justicia for migrant workers will continue to work with labour unions, community and religious groups to raise awareness and to advocate with migrant workers to organize to improve working and living conditions across Canada.
For More information please contact Justin Goldenthal at 416 731-5528; Justin@ckln.fm or Chris Ramsaroop at 647 834 4932; chrisramsaroop@gmail.com.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Community and Workers Rights Organizations Demand Fairness for Presteve Food Workers: Migrant Workers Deserve to be treated with Respect and Dignity:
August 15, 2008
(Wheatley, Ontario) –In one of the first votes of its kind in Canadian history, workers’ rights organization Justicia for Migrant Workers is demanding that Presteve Foods stop intimidating its migrant workers. Stemming from a history of labour violations, Presteve Foods is now in a process of undermining workers’ rights to democratic representation. The employer has been interfering in a decertification process encouraging its migrant workers to decertify from the workplace's union, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). The vote is scheduled for Friday August 15, 2008. This employer has acted in bad faith by continually violating and exploiting the migrant workforce employed under the auspices of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
In order to raise awareness around the significance of this vote, Justicia for Migrant Workers, is engaging in an education campaign so migrant workers employed at Presteve Foods know their rights in belonging to a union. J4MW believes that this campaign is critical in supporting the voice of migrant workers who have experienced numerous human and labour rights violations at this workplace. Over the last two years, migrant workers have been subjected to numerous human rights violations, including the following: differential pay between migrant and non migrant workers, denial of overtime pay for overtime work, non-recognition of union membership, neglect of workplace health and safety and workers compensation law, the confiscation of foreign passports, and a high level of intimidation by the employer.
Coupled with these violations, the expansion of employer driven programs such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has exacerbated these violations. The TFWP denies the workers the freedom to change employers or to work in industries other than those specified under their work permits; nor do these migrants normally have the ability to gain permanent residency status, thus limiting their social mobility in Canada. Instead, they must leave Canada after a maximum of two years working here and reapply for another temporary work permit. Recently the Federal Government announced an expansion of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and an accompanying pathway to immigration program for skilled workers under the auspices of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
"While there has been numerous accolades given to the introduction of the new Canadian Experience Class, which enables some high skilled workers to fast track to permanent residency, we are demanding that the Federal Government cease the expansion of employer driven programs and the two tiered immigration system that denies permanent residency to tens of thousands of so-called low skilled migrant workers" says Chris Ramsaroop national organizer for J4MW.
Migrant workers employed under the Pilot Project for Occupations Requiring Lower Levels of Formal Training (Formerly the Low Skilled Temporary Foreign Worker Program), the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Live in Care Giver Program (LCP) do not qualify for the Canadian Economic Class and have historically been denied basic human rights that are accorded to permanent residents in Canada. Ramsaroop argues that "employers such as Presteve Foods thrive in an economic environment that is permissive of precarious immigration and labour standards. We hold not only this employer accountable for the numerous human rights violations that have already occurred, but also the Federal Government which has done nothing to address the exploitative conditions that exists through this system of indentureship".
Irrespective of the results of this vote, J4MW will work with its coalition partners to address workplace injustices at Presteve Foods and also work with labour and immigration advocacy groups to demand government intervention into both this clear disregard for the human rights of these particular migrant workers and also to address larger legislative policies and practices that relegate migrant workers to be employed under exploitative conditions.
For further information please contact J4MW Media Liaison: Justin Goldenthal (416)731-5528 or e-mail Justin@ckln.fm or Chris Ramsaroop 647 834-4932 chrisramsaroop@gmail.com
(Wheatley, Ontario) –In one of the first votes of its kind in Canadian history, workers’ rights organization Justicia for Migrant Workers is demanding that Presteve Foods stop intimidating its migrant workers. Stemming from a history of labour violations, Presteve Foods is now in a process of undermining workers’ rights to democratic representation. The employer has been interfering in a decertification process encouraging its migrant workers to decertify from the workplace's union, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). The vote is scheduled for Friday August 15, 2008. This employer has acted in bad faith by continually violating and exploiting the migrant workforce employed under the auspices of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
In order to raise awareness around the significance of this vote, Justicia for Migrant Workers, is engaging in an education campaign so migrant workers employed at Presteve Foods know their rights in belonging to a union. J4MW believes that this campaign is critical in supporting the voice of migrant workers who have experienced numerous human and labour rights violations at this workplace. Over the last two years, migrant workers have been subjected to numerous human rights violations, including the following: differential pay between migrant and non migrant workers, denial of overtime pay for overtime work, non-recognition of union membership, neglect of workplace health and safety and workers compensation law, the confiscation of foreign passports, and a high level of intimidation by the employer.
Coupled with these violations, the expansion of employer driven programs such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has exacerbated these violations. The TFWP denies the workers the freedom to change employers or to work in industries other than those specified under their work permits; nor do these migrants normally have the ability to gain permanent residency status, thus limiting their social mobility in Canada. Instead, they must leave Canada after a maximum of two years working here and reapply for another temporary work permit. Recently the Federal Government announced an expansion of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and an accompanying pathway to immigration program for skilled workers under the auspices of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
"While there has been numerous accolades given to the introduction of the new Canadian Experience Class, which enables some high skilled workers to fast track to permanent residency, we are demanding that the Federal Government cease the expansion of employer driven programs and the two tiered immigration system that denies permanent residency to tens of thousands of so-called low skilled migrant workers" says Chris Ramsaroop national organizer for J4MW.
Migrant workers employed under the Pilot Project for Occupations Requiring Lower Levels of Formal Training (Formerly the Low Skilled Temporary Foreign Worker Program), the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Live in Care Giver Program (LCP) do not qualify for the Canadian Economic Class and have historically been denied basic human rights that are accorded to permanent residents in Canada. Ramsaroop argues that "employers such as Presteve Foods thrive in an economic environment that is permissive of precarious immigration and labour standards. We hold not only this employer accountable for the numerous human rights violations that have already occurred, but also the Federal Government which has done nothing to address the exploitative conditions that exists through this system of indentureship".
Irrespective of the results of this vote, J4MW will work with its coalition partners to address workplace injustices at Presteve Foods and also work with labour and immigration advocacy groups to demand government intervention into both this clear disregard for the human rights of these particular migrant workers and also to address larger legislative policies and practices that relegate migrant workers to be employed under exploitative conditions.
For further information please contact J4MW Media Liaison: Justin Goldenthal (416)731-5528 or e-mail Justin@ckln.fm or Chris Ramsaroop 647 834-4932 chrisramsaroop@gmail.com
Friday, April 11, 2008
ACLA letter of condemnation
March 24, 2008
Diane Lloyd,
Chairperson Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB,
1994 Fisher Drive,
Peterborough, ON
K9J 6X6
Dear Ms. Lloyd,
The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance strongly condemns the racist and derogatory comments recently made by school trustee Gordon Gilchrist. His comments represent a significant low in race relations not only for residents of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School lake community but for communities across the Province of Ontario. Due to the racist nature of his comments ACLA believes that an appropriate remedy for his actions is for the Board to ask for his immediate resignation.
Mr. Gilchrist’s comments continue a long tradition of racist and anti-immigrant sentiments that have been exhibited by elected officials across this province. Whether it’s the cuts to adult ESL programs, threats to terminate the sole elementary school with dedicated ESL programs for recent immigrants, and constant threats to funding programs for new immigrants, his comments when examined in conjunction with these actions creates a climate where significant members of our community feel excluded and unwelcomed. If this school board is interested in proving otherwise then it would take the first steps to show its commitment to racialized communities and immigrants by demanding his resignation.
Furthermore we believe that his continued presence and participation on this school board represents a significant violation of the Ontario Human Rights code and your own equity and diversity policy. In consultation with the local community, ACLA may be interested in pursuing further action at the OHRC level.
Finally Anti-Oppression training seems to be in order for members of both your staff and your elected officials. To remedy this situation, ACLA can provide ample support with resources and resource people to assist your efforts if you choose to accept this offer.
We trust that the School Board will handle this matter with the utmost integrity and transparency that is owed to its constituency and the boarder community. Please feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss this letter further. You can reach me at ***-***-****.
Sincerely,
Chris Ramsaroop
Vice President
Asian Canadian Labour Alliance
For more information: www.racerelationspeterborough.org
Diane Lloyd,
Chairperson Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB,
1994 Fisher Drive,
Peterborough, ON
K9J 6X6
Dear Ms. Lloyd,
The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance strongly condemns the racist and derogatory comments recently made by school trustee Gordon Gilchrist. His comments represent a significant low in race relations not only for residents of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School lake community but for communities across the Province of Ontario. Due to the racist nature of his comments ACLA believes that an appropriate remedy for his actions is for the Board to ask for his immediate resignation.
Mr. Gilchrist’s comments continue a long tradition of racist and anti-immigrant sentiments that have been exhibited by elected officials across this province. Whether it’s the cuts to adult ESL programs, threats to terminate the sole elementary school with dedicated ESL programs for recent immigrants, and constant threats to funding programs for new immigrants, his comments when examined in conjunction with these actions creates a climate where significant members of our community feel excluded and unwelcomed. If this school board is interested in proving otherwise then it would take the first steps to show its commitment to racialized communities and immigrants by demanding his resignation.
Furthermore we believe that his continued presence and participation on this school board represents a significant violation of the Ontario Human Rights code and your own equity and diversity policy. In consultation with the local community, ACLA may be interested in pursuing further action at the OHRC level.
Finally Anti-Oppression training seems to be in order for members of both your staff and your elected officials. To remedy this situation, ACLA can provide ample support with resources and resource people to assist your efforts if you choose to accept this offer.
We trust that the School Board will handle this matter with the utmost integrity and transparency that is owed to its constituency and the boarder community. Please feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss this letter further. You can reach me at ***-***-****.
Sincerely,
Chris Ramsaroop
Vice President
Asian Canadian Labour Alliance
For more information: www.racerelationspeterborough.org
Friday, February 29, 2008
EUGENE YAO, 1946-2008
EUGENE YAO, 1946-2008
Eugene Yao, 61: Chinese activist
Feb 23, 2008 04:30 AM
John Goddard
staff reporter, Toronto Star
Chinatown community leader and founder of the popular Urbane Cyclist shop, Eugene Yao, has died at 61. True to his values, Yao created the shop 10 years ago near John and Queen Sts. as a workers' co-operative and commuter cyclists' hub.
"It's like an old-style neighbourhood store," customer and friend Dora Nipp said yesterday. "Everybody knows you. It has all the courtesies and civilities of yesterday."
Yao was born in 1946 in Shanghai, China, and came to Canada in 1969 as an electrical engineering student at McGill University.
"He came to my 21st birthday party and we made an acquaintance, "recalled his wife, Winnie Ng, a McGill sociology student at the time. "After that, I bumped into him in the street. He was riding a bicycle and I said I'd like to learn."
Yao and Ng married and in 1975 moved to Toronto. He took a series of engineering jobs with large corporations, and both became prominent community activists in the Spadina-Dundas area.
She worked at Settlement House helping various waves of immigrants, ran for Parliament as Trinity-Spadina' s New Democratic Party candidate in 1993 and is on leave from her position as Ontario director of the Canadian Labour Congress to study for a PhD.
He helped establish English-language classes for garment workers and later served as Toronto president of the Chinese Canadian National Council.
In 1994, Yao lost his job to corporate restructuring. "He later said it was a blessing in disguise," Ng said. "It freed him to take a risk and do something entirely different."
Long a passionate environmentalist and bicycle lover, Yao took a course from the Barnett Bicycle Institute in Colorado and a business course from Seneca College. With three others and neighbourhood volunteer help, Yao opened the cycling shop as a democratic co-operative of worker-members.
"I can go away for a month and know that everything will be okay," he told an interviewer last year.
Yao died Feb. 12 of liver and heart problems. A celebration of his life [was held February 23], 4-6p.m., at Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil St.
The Ontario College of Art and Design is accepting donations for the Eugene Yao Urbane Cyclist Bicycle Design Award. For more information on donating, email
mailto:development@ ocad.ca or call 416-977-6000, Ext. 487.
More information about Urbane Cyclist, a worker-owned and operated co-operative: http://www.ucycle. com/
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