The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) in Montreal is an example of the community labour approach being put into action in Canada. The IWC was founded in 2000 by a small group composed of Filipino-Canadian union and former union organizers and their activist and academic allies. The idea of the centre grew out of the experience of its two founders, who has worked as union organizers: Tess Tesalona, who still aids in the coordination of the centre, and Marco Luciano, who has gone on to work for a union in Toronto. They observed that much of their recruitment and education to support a union drive had to take place outside of the workplace, and, apart from personal homes, there were few places where this could happen. The idea of the centre, then, was to provide a safe place outside the workplace where workers could discuss their situations. Further, they forwarded a critique of the unions themselves, arguing that once they got a majority to sign crds and thus join the union, the processes of education and solidarity built into the organizing process were lost as union “bureaucrats” came in to manage the collective agreement.

In its first year, the organization was able to secure a grants from the social-justice fund of the Canadian Auto Workers to intervene on labour issues in the community. The IWC then got to work providing ongoing education and critical analysis beyond the specific role of unions, and finding ways to address worker issues outside traditional union structures.

IWC activities cover individual-rights counselling, popular education and political campaigns that reflect issues facing immigrant workers, like dismissal, problems with employers, or, sometimes, inadequate representation by their unions. Labour education is a priority, targeting organizations in the community and increasing workers’ skills and analyses. Workshops on themes like the history of the labour movement, the Labour Standards Act and collective-organizing processes have been presented in many organizatins that work with immigrants, as well as the IWC itself. The “Skills for Change” program teaches basic computer literacy, while incorporating workplace analysis and information on rights. The goal is to integrate specific computer skills while supporting individuals in becoming more active in defending labour rights in their workplace. There is also an ongoing link between the struggles of immigrant workers with other social and economic struggles; building alliances is a priority. In additions, the IWC support union organizing in workplaces where there is a high concentration of immigrant workers.

CTI-IWC: An education and campaign centre for immigrant workers in Montréal, Québec Welcome to the brand new blog of the Immigrant Worker’s Centre – Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants in Montréal, Québec, Canada. We have lots to tell you about, but just need a little time to get it together. Please drop back soon! For more information: Centre des Travailleurs et Travailleuses Immigrants – The Immigrant Workers Centre (CTI-IWC) Tel: +1514 342-211 Email: info@iwc-cti.ca Visit our office near the Plamondon Metro in Montréal at: 6420 ave. Victoria, suite #9 Montréal, Québec, Canada H3W 2S7