Temporary foreign workers get exploited by employers in Canada

In Western Canada, there is a phenomenal increase in the number temporary work visas whose duration is increased by the government in order to meet the growing demand of more workers. The extension of the work visas for the foreign workers is due to the preparation of Vancouver for the forthcoming Olympics. The increase can also be accounted on the development of the oil stands in Alberta.

Among all the provinces of Canada, the fastest growing population is of Canada itself. According to the Statistics Canada, this growth is due to international immigration that is very high. Labor unions have criticized the local government for extending the temporary workers visas without thinking about the workers exploitation that is very common.

Recently, the pitiable working condition of the foreign workers has been brought to the notice of all by Joe Barrett. He says that the workers are not willing to even speak anything against the employers since they fear that it might put an end to their job. As a result of this the worker will be unable to earn his livelihood. Also the fact that applying for a new job will take several months, accounts for their inability to complain against their employer.

Pitiable condition of workers

The condition gets even worse for the foreign workers when they are not even paid the amount they were promised and they deserve. Workers receive very less wages and the part of wages deducted is either given to the placement agencies or deducted in the name of their accommodation. Currently, the wage for a labor is $22 to $24 per hour along with some added incentives. Forget about the incentives, the workers are not even paid anything close to their actual wages.

Barrett believes that the workers are scared to bring the issue into light just because of the fear that their worker status will be taken away from them. He feels that this inhumane act from the employers will never come to an end until government does not interfere in the issue and make sure that proper wages are paid to the workers and they get the promised added benefits like extra pay in case of an extra hour of work.

The vice president of the Hospital Employers Union in British Columbia, Boni Barcia, thinks that the exploitation of the workers must be kept under check by introducing a public policy reform. The most effective step would be to talk to these workers and know the facts and also assure them that the problems will be taken care of perfectly.