Eight Filipino migrant workers bravely speak out about abuse at a lobster plant in Nova Scotia

Recently, eight Filipino migrant workers bravely spoke out about workplace conditions at a lobster plant in Nova Scotia. Their complaints against the employer include having no days off (except for Christmas Eve), lack of appropriate care and concern when the workers contracted Covid-19, being asked to complete tasks/duties outside the scope of their contracts, and more. To view the video clip in Tagalog, click here.

A number of organizations came together to provide emergency support to the workers. The support was a collaborative effort between the Philippine Consul General in Halifax, POLO Toronto, immigration lawyer Renz Grospe, KAIROS Canada, NS Pinoy Tambayan, No one is Illegal - Halifax Kjipuktuk and others.

Since migrant workers are tied to one employer, they cannot simply leave and find another employer in situations of workplace abuse. One option they have is to apply for a Vulnerable worker open work permit (VWOWP), which would give them authorization to work elsewhere for up to 1 year (if successful). At best, VWOWPs are a stop gap. Full and permanent immigration status for all migrants is necessary to ensure that they are able to quickly & easily leave situations of workplace abuse, to access the same rights and essential services as others!

At the time of the recording of this video, 6 of 8 of the workers had received a positive response to their VWOWP application. They have ongoing Labour Standards complaints.