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Ten years of supporting migrant workers was celebrated this past weekend.
Leamington (29 May 2012) - The Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) Support Centre in Leamington, Ontario celebrated its ten year anniversary this weekend. Hundreds of workers and the supportive Leamington community members recognized the valuable contributions of migrant farm workers to the Canadian economy at a large community BBQ.
Migrant farm workers make up the foundation of the agricultural sector and they face many human rights and labour rights challenges related to their temporary status and inability to access protection from the Occupational Health and Safety and the Employment Standards Act.
The Support Centre has assisted thousands of workers over the last 10 years by helping them with compensation claims, scheduling, pay issues, referral to legal counsel, health and safety training, Canada Pension claims, receiving medical treatment, Parental Benefit Claims, unfair treatment and problems with unsafe housing and working conditions.
The anniversary celebration was organized by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada and their Youth Internship Program (YIP). YIP is composed of community activists, students and young union members who have dedicated their time planning the festivities, interviewing farm workers and engaging Leamington residents on issues related to migrant and labour rights.
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