Categories: Migrant workers

Vulnerable migrant workers in Nova Scotia must have a level playing field: Migrant rights activists

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

In an open letter to the McNeil government, over 30 unions, educational institutions, rights advocates and social justice organizations across the province of Nova Scotia have asked for action on migrant workers rights. The prompt call for immediate action on rights was in the light of Stephen McNeil’s announcement of stepping down from power as premier. The activists and rights advocates are thus renewing the previous demands of reworking on the migrant rights in the region.

Discrimination against migrant workers has always been a topic of protests in region, and with spike in these incidents the activists are bolstering their demands of amendments in rights. Last week there were reports that Nova Scotia’s migrant workers were being prohibited from leaving a strawberry farm their workplace unlawfully. Also there were reports of mistreatment at Balamore Farms in Great Village. Furthermore, approximately89 complaints have been made by migrant workers in Nova Scotia  to the Mexican government since 2009 for allegations of wage theft, and inadequate and cramped housing conditions. The current Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened the health and safety risks for migrant workers.

Migrant workers are the backbone of Nova Soctia’s economy as every year over 2,000 migrant workers arrive in Nova Scotia for jobs to plant, harvest, and process agricultural crops and seafood products under Temporary Foreign Worker Programs (TFWPs) like Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).

The open letter by activists and migrant rights advocates includes 17 demands for the Nova Scotia government. These include “access to public health care for migrant workers, an end to the practice of unlawfully preventing them from leaving farms, proactive inspections, protection against retaliation, and enabling them to exercise the right to refuse unsafe work.”

About Dr. Neha Mathur

Join Dr. Neha Mathur on a journey of compassion and expertise as she navigates the intricate landscape of human rights and workers' welfare.

Dr. Neha Mathur

Join Dr. Neha Mathur on a journey of compassion and expertise as she navigates the intricate landscape of human rights and workers' welfare.

Recent Posts

Trade Unions Unite: Demanding Development Cooperation Focused on Workers’ Rights and Sustainable Future

Trade Union-OECD DAC Forum 2025 joined the trade union leaders all over the world along with delegates from OECD DAC…

March 21, 2025

Japan’s Workforce Wins: Companies Approve 5.4% Wage Hike

Results from Rengo, the country’s largest trade union federation, show that Japanese companies have agreed to a substantial 5.4 percent…

March 21, 2025

India’s Clean Energy Workforce to Grow 18% in FY25

The renewable energy sector in India expects to expand its workforce by 18.9% through FY25 because TeamLease Services research shows…

March 21, 2025

Deutsche Bank Job Cuts Shake Markets Following Global Economic Shifts

The DAX market is projected to begin the day without significant movements on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The markets of…

March 20, 2025

Australia Sees Surprise Job Loss in February, But Unemployment Remains Steady

February’s employment data from Australia revealed surprising weakness with employment decreasing by 52,800, after a trend of strength. In terms…

March 20, 2025

Impact of Artificial Intelligence and automation on job security

All in all, the impacts of artificial intelligence and automation on job security have raised wide-spread concerns and discussions. With…

March 20, 2025