News

Migrants in need of help

We are fundraising for a group of migrants that were victims of labour traffick in Canada and they were unable to leave while immigration is processing their cases. This group of workers have been mobilizing and organizing themselves since July to find solutions to what the group was living in their place of work and for the abuse and mistreatment to stop. It's because of this that the grand majority... Read more →

PRESS RELEASE | Health and Safety: the rights of a majority of employees poorly protected in Quebec

Camille Legault Thuot Montreal, February 29, 2024 - A survey conducted by IRIS and published today shows that the Quebec occupational health and safety regime is perpetuates the vulnerability of non-unionized workers, who represent nearly 60% of workers in Quebec. According to Mathieu Charbonneau, associate researcher at IRIS and author of the study, "the Act to modernize the occupational health and safety system adopted in 2021 will not provide satisfactory... Read more →

Montrealers protest decade-long waits for migrant status

Various immigrant rights organizations request the implementation of a promised inclusive regularization program Hannah Scott-Talib — Published February 24, 2024 On Feb. 21, the Speak out: Status for All immigrant rights protest was held outside Minister of Immigration Marc Miller’s Montreal office, as part of an ongoing week of action led by various organizations. A crowd of roughly 50 people showed up, holding signs that read “regularization for all” and chanting... Read more →

Essential Work, Disposable Workers with Mostafa Henaway

*Le français suit. In collaboration with Fernwood Publishing, Solidarity across borders and the Immigrant Worker Centre (IWC), the Social Justice Centre presents a book panel on “Essential Work, Disposable Workers” by Mostafa Henaway at the SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation on Feb 7 from 6-8 pm. Mostafa Henaway is a former graduate fellow of the Social Justice Centre, a researcher, and a long-time community organizer at the Immigrant Workers Centre in Montreal, where he has been... Read more →

IWC Annual Report 2022-2023

This activity report covers the period from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. The activities described below summarize the center's involvement in a wide range of issues and situations facing workers. The number of workers coming to us, and their participation in workshops and campaigns, continues to grow. What's more, worker leadership has become a regular feature of the center, whether in campaign planning or as spokespeople. This success... Read more →

An open letter from 29 organizations: Stop deportations, regularize undocumented migrants!

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister Marc Miller, Two years ago, while the pandemic and lockdown were still with us, you, Mr. Prime Minister, asked the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to explore "ways to regularize the status of undocumented workers who contribute to Canadian communities" and who played an essential role during the pandemic, sometimes at the cost of their lives. Two years later, on the occasion of commemorating... Read more →

Migrants Rally on International Migrant Day, Demanding Immediate Regularization

Today on International Migrant Day, and it has been two years since Prime Minister Trudeau promised a comprehensive regularization program for undocumented migrants. Today, migrants demanded regularization! Over 150 migrants, including those who are non-status, those with precarious status, and migrant workers, delivered over 400 letters by those directly effected to demand status for everyone to the riding office of Justin Trudeau. We will continue to organize and mobilize for... Read more →

Undocumented immigrants don’t just live in Montreal, say Lower St. Lawrence organizations

Several organizations held a rally this Monday morning in front of the post office on rue Saint-Germain Ouest in Rimouski, to call for the abolition of temporary work permits and for a comprehensive regularization program, led by the Immigrant Workers Centre chapter of Bas Saint Laurent. "As part of International Migrants Day, we're flooding federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller's office with postcards signed by the people of the Lower St.... Read more →

Ottawa plans to create Canadian citizenship path for undocumented immigrants

  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Marc Miller confirmed his intention to “present a proposal to cabinet in the spring on allowing undocumented immigrants to regularize their status’”. It's been two years since the Prime Minister asked the IRCC minister in his mandate letter to explore ways of regularizing the status of undocumented migrants, according to  The Globe and Mail. The Immigrant Workers Centre welcomes the intention to... Read more →

Media Coverage Highlights Critical Report on Dollarama and Amazon Warehouses in Montreal

In an exclusive study, researchers shed light on the challenging working conditions within the Montreal warehouses of Dollarama and Amazon. This report, conducted by the Interuniversity and Interdisciplinary Research Group on Employment, Poverty, and Social Protection (GIREPS), the Center for Immigrant Workers (CTTI), and the Association of Agency Workers (ATTAP), presents a disconcerting portrayal of the labor landscape in these major retail warehouses. You can read this coverage here: Dollarama... Read more →

MOBILIZING FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN WAREHOUSES

  Over recent years, the warehousing sector has experienced significant growth, and the trend was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly thanks to the rise of e-commerce. Faced with this reality, the Groupe interuniversitaire et interdisciplinaire de recherche sur l'emploi, la pauvreté et la protection sociale (GIREPS), the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) and the Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA-ATTAP) launched a research project in January 2022 to examine the employment,... Read more →

Public Sector Workers in Quebec Announce Another Week-long Strike Amidst Stalled Negotiations

Front Commun, Representing Over 400,000 Workers, Declares Strike from Dec. 8-14 By Taqwa Mohamed-Mahdi In a show of collective strength, hundreds of thousands of public sector workers in Quebec are gearing up for a week-long strike in December as contract negotiations with the provincial government hit an impasse. The Front Commun, a coalition of four major public sector unions representing around 420,000 members in health, education, and social services, made... Read more →

Broken Promises and Exploitation of Foreign Workers in Canada

A group of foreign workers in Montreal, lured under false promises, now faces an uphill battle in obtaining work permits. Initially assured of a fast-tracked process by the federal Immigration Department, only seven out of a hundred applications were approved, prompting Ottawa to rescind its offer last week. Now, these workers are left in limbo, required to navigate a complex application process with uncertain outcomes. The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI)... Read more →

Mera Laung Gwacha: Empowering Immigrant Communities

The play, Mera Laung Gwacha, was performed in Park Extension’s William Hingston Community Centre on the 4th of November, 2023. To promote the play, we advertised around the neighborhood as well as regularly on the radio and did a half-hour interview on the local radio station, Humsafar. Our team of mostly amateur actors practiced for months to prepare, and the play was a resounding success. The actors were phenomenal in... Read more →

Migrants made scapegoats by Quebec and Canadian immigration policies

PRESS RELEASE Migrants made scapegoats by Quebec and Canadian immigration policies Montreal, November 2, 2023. - The Quebec and Canadian governments have announced their immigration plans, specifying immigration thresholds for the coming years. Putting the thresholds on hold, while ignoring the hundreds of thousands of temporary foreign workers, asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants already in the country, is tantamount to pointing the finger of blame at them for our social,... Read more →

IWC-CTI stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people

The Immigrant Workers Centre stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people The Immigrant Workers Center strongly condemns the war crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza, including the unscrupulous murder of thousands of civilians and the massive deportation pressure that has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. We recall that the root source of the violence lies in the apartheid and illegal occupation imposed by Israel on the... Read more →

Demonstration in Front of Trudeau’s Office: Unemployment Insurance Reform Demanded

We were in front of Justin Trudeau's office this noon to demand unemployment insurance reform. Years after we were promised reform, we're still at a standstill. Meanwhile, the unemployed continue to live in precarious conditions on just 55% of their income. It's criminal! Here are a few passages from today's speeches: "We want the threshold of hours worked to be lowered to 350h or 13 weeks, and the benefit rate... Read more →

“Trudeau must keep his promise”: organizations call for regularization of undocumented migrants

Some thirty Quebec community and labor organizations mobilized in Montreal, Quebec City and Rimouski on Saturday to call for a program to regularize undocumented migrants. The 38 organizations are calling for the "immediate" implementation of an "inclusive" program to regularize undocumented migrants, as well as an end to the deportation and detention of migrants who have no immigration status. Read event reports (in French): Trudeau doit tenir sa promesse»: des... Read more →

“We Lived in Fear”

The Immigrant Worker Centre (IWC) estimates that as many as 400 workers have been caught up in the alleged scheme. Benoît Scowen, an organizer with the IWC, says the six people who came forward Wednesday are only speaking publicly because they now have legal protections from the federal government. “Everyone else is in an incredibly vulnerable position,” said Scowen, who spent months gathering testimony from the workers. “One of the... Read more →

Two years since the adoption of PL59

Two years of workplace health and safety demolition Despite the interim regime that has been in force for 18 months, what we are seeing on the ground in workplaces is that the implementation of this reform is tedious ultimately allowing for the enforcement of the minimal obligations stipulalted for by the law - David Bergeron-Cyr On the occasion of the second anniversary of the implementation of the Loi modernisant le... Read more →

Class-action claims foreign workers exploited by Quebec recruiter, airline caterer

An international aviation catering company and a Quebec recruitment firm allegedly lured foreign workers to Canada under false pretences and exploited them, according to a proposed class-action lawsuit. The Immigrant Workers Centre in Montreal is seeking authorization to launch the suit against Laval, Que.-based placement firm Trésor and inflight catering company Newrest, along with several affiliated companies. Read the report:

Migrant workers launch campaign and class action lawsuit

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) and a group of migrant workers will discuss the situation thatgave rise to a class action lawsuit that was filed this morning. The IWC and the workers aresuing a placement agency operating under the name Trésor and its client company Newrest, amultinational that provides catering services to major airlines at the Pierre Elliott TrudeauAirport. This lawsuit has been filed by the law firm Trudel Johnston... Read more →

The IWC opposes the restrictive immigration policies in Quebec

On September 12, 2023, the Immigrant Workers Centre took part in the public hearings concerning immigration planning in Quebec for the period 2024-2027.  The IWC's intervention began with the testimony of Grace Meyanwi Anye, member of the Women's Committee, who presented the concrete impacts of restrictive migration policies on the lives of migrants. Then, three organizers shared the floor to criticize the orientations proposed by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ).... Read more →

Exploited workers

Hundreds of foreign workers, lured to Montreal by false promises, are allegedly being dangerously and illegally exploited in the factories of Newrest, a multinational food company. This is the allegation in a class-action petition filed in Superior Court today by the Immigrant Workers Centre. A Radio-Canada news report by Sophie Langlois.

IN SEARCH OF AN INCLUSIVE QUEBEC …

Brief submitted by CTI-IWC to the Commission des relations avec les citoyens as part of the General Consultation on the consultation workbook entitled: La planification de l'immigration au Québec pour la période 2024-2027 (in French only) Main points of the brief Our brief begins by presenting our own analyses of immigration policies and the realities experienced by migrants and immigrants, as well as our positions on the policies implemented. Our... Read more →

Migrant workers, victims of human trafficking, demand adequate protection

Montreal, July 20, 2023. With the ever-increasing use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which fails to guarantee the rights of these workers, abuses and violence against them are multiplying. Five migrant workers, victims of human trafficking, contacted the Immigrant Workers Center (IWC) and decided to testify to their experiences and to denounce the shortcomings of protection measures for migrant workers in vulnerable situations. Fraud, forced labour and threats: the... Read more →

Montrealers Rally Against Bill-31, Urging Protection of Tenant Rights

Thousands of Montrealers took to the streets of Parc Extension to protest against Bill-31, a new law proposed in Quebec that would make it more difficult for tenants to transfer leases. The demonstration, organized by the Comité d'action de Parc-Extension (CAPE), RCLALQ Droit Au Logement, and the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI), aimed to fight for housing rights and to denounce the Coalition Avenir Québec's (CAQ) efforts to abolish lease transfers.... Read more →

Leduc Urges Investigation into Amazon’s Working Conditions

Alexandre Leduc Urges Minister of Labour to Address Concerns Raised by Amazon Workers, Delegation Meets in Parliament At National Assembly on Thursday in Quebec city, Alexandre Leduc, the Labor Critic for the Second Opposition Group, Québec solidaire; has addressed, the ongoing concerns surrounding the working conditions at Amazon warehouses in Quebec. Leduc called upon the Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet, to take immediate action and launch an investigation into the... Read more →

28 Organizations Demand Regularization of Undocumented Migrants

Twenty-eight Quebec community organizations and unions have joined forces to call for the rapid implementation of a truly inclusive regularization program for undocumented migrants, as have hundreds of organizations supporting this cause across Canada. The signatory organizations particularly deplore the delay in implementing the program, at a time when immigration policies are keeping more and more migrants in precarious situations. They also call for an immediate freeze on deportations and... Read more →

Theatre Production Of (IWC-CTI) Highlights Women’s Struggles

"Ji Jasi Apki Marzihat" captivates audiences with a compelling monologue on the mistreatment of women in Indian society   The Montreal International Anarchist Theatre Festival recently hosted a thought-provoking play produced by the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CT) that shed light on the challenges faced by women and emphasized the importance of empowerment. Titled "Ji Jasi Apki Marzihat," directed and act by Nitu Sharma and written by Nadira Zahir Babber, captivated audiences... Read more →

Migrant labour and justice at Concordia: bridges

At Concordia University, a diverse group came together to address the pressing issues of precarious labor and migrant justice in Quebec. Participated in the event, members from the women's committee of the IWC, along with members and workers from the Amazon committee and the South Asian committee of the IWC. They were joined by a representative of the Federation of Commerce of the CSN . The workshop was organized by... Read more →

Amplifying Voices: Amazon Workers Convene with Quebec’s National Assembly Members

This week, the voices of Amazon workers resonated powerfully at the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI), as they shared their stories with with two Quebec Members of National Assembly Gabriel Nadeau Dubois and Alexandre Leduc. The mission? To exert pressure on the government to hold Amazon accountable for respecting the fundamental rights of its workers. Their stories are our stories. Stories of hard work, resilience, and, unfortunately, stories of exploitation. This... Read more →
Photo taken by Menna Hijab

Amazon Workers’ Struggle: Insights from the Materialism Conference

Yesterday marked a historic moment in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights, equality, and justice at Amazon warehouses in Montreal. Over one hundred attendees flooded the auditorium, their faces filled with hope, passion, and conviction, for the historical materialism conference in Montreal. It was a testament to the enduring spirit of our shared cause and the collective power we possess when we unite. Notable amongst the distinguished speakers was Alexandre... Read more →

Striving for Equality: Ensuring Basic Labor Protections for Immigrant Workers in Québec

By: Isaac Patroulis Lessig In January, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced new guidelines to shield migrant workers “who experience or witness workplace labor or civil rights violations” from deportation or a loss of work status. The protective measure marks a positive step towards the empowerment of migrant workers in the country and should be seen as a win for workers everywhere. Similar protections for immigrant workers... Read more →

May Day: Confronting Inequality and Rising Expenses

On May 1st, in Montreal, we united in solidarity on the streets, to raise our voices against the escalating cost of living, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of our society. As inflation soars, the wealthiest individuals and corporations exploit the situation, amassing even greater profits at the expense of the working class. Many workers face the harsh reality of stagnant wages amidst skyrocketing prices for essential goods and... Read more →

Raising awareness among migrants about the precariousness of work in the agricultural sector

Our recent festival, on May 1 Labor Day was celebrating immigrant workers struggles organized by the IWC. The festival filled with music, songs, theatrical performances and video screenings, showcased the experiences of agricultural workers and highlighted the need for continued support and awareness. A report by Journal Métro underscores the vulnerability and precarious working conditions faced by migrant agricultural workers, emphasizing the significance of our work at IWC and the... Read more →

Akwesasne “not an isolated case”: non-status immigrants cry out

At the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC), our mission is to advocate for the rights and well-being of migrant workers, regardless of their status. A recent report by TVA Nouvelles high lights the urgent need for regularization and fair treatment of undocumented immigrants in Canada, emphasizing the importance of our work at IWC. The report shares the stories of undocumented immigrants living in precarious conditions and facing numerous challenges in their... Read more →

Women’s Day: Undocumented migrant women aspire to live without fear

A recent report by Radio-Canada International, highlights the plight of undocumented female migrant workers in Canada and the importance of regularization for their well-being. The report, published on International Women's Day, shines a light on the struggles faced by female migrant workers who lack legal status in Canada. These women often endure exploitation, abuse, and discrimination, both in the workplace and in their everyday lives. The lack of legal status... Read more →

How would a regularization program for undocumented immigrants benefit Quebec?

What is regularization? Simply put, regularization is giving papers to people who don't have them. It is obviously not a magical process. Regularization programs come with criteria for including or excluding applicants. The files are therefore processed one by one by the immigration officers as for other types of applications. The goal of these programs is to give an extra chance to... Read more →

Training Guide: Non-Status Regularization Program & media relations

This argument for the regularization of people without immigration status was constructed by the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) of Montreal in September 2022. The Immigrant Workers' Centre is a popular education and collective advocacy organization for labour and immigration rights for precarious workers. Since 2000, the ILC has supported workers in their struggles for dignity, respect and justice, including campaigns to... Read more →

Benefit dinner for legal defense

Photos submitted by Raphaël Laflamme The IWC organized a dinner with music and a comedy show to raise funds for the legal defense of two migrant beneficiary applicants who have been made victims of human trafficking. After being deceived by their employer, the Villa Mon Domaine, under false pretenses of being granted a work permit, they were made to survive for months without a salary, all while working up to... Read more →

The status for all march: in photos

Photos submitted by Cheolki Yoon and Viviana Medina The Immigrant Workers' Centre and its members and allies mobilized for the Status for All March on July 17, 2022! We demand an inclusive and comprehensive regularization program that includes all non-status people on Canadian soil, whatever their situation, whatever their year of arrival! We demand that Quebec commit to this program and grant the Quebec selection certificate for true regularization! WE... Read more →

Status for All … AT LAST!

Montreal March for Status for All As the federal government is in the process of developing a regularization programme for undocumented migrants, precarious status migrants and their friends, neighbours and allies will march together to demand a full regularization programme for ALL. Sunday, 17 July 2022 2pm at Place Emilie Gamelin (Berri UQAM metro) The Federal government is moving forward on new plans for a regularization programme for undocumented migrants.... Read more →

Commission on Warehouse Work in Montreal

      The Commission on Warehouse Work grew out of the IWC’s organizing on the issue of placement agencies during the last eight years. Te frst group of placement agency workers who met at the Centre were Dollarama warehouse workers. Te meetings focused on basic labour rights. Te Association des travailleurs et travailleuses d’agences de placements (ATTAP) was formed several years... Read more →

Women Without Status and Workplace Sexual Harassment We demand greater protection

  We are the Temporary Agency Workers Association’s (ATTAP) women’s committee, a group of immigrant women working in precarious conditions. We have come together to confront a shared problem: psychological harassment and sexual abuse in the workplace. Our committee was founded by the Immigrant Workers Center (IWC) in late 2018 with the mandate collectively addressing shared problems in the workplace that... Read more →

$18 minimum wage campaign

Minimum18$ - « Maintenir les travailleuses et les travailleurs au salaire minimum dans la pauvreté : quel choix consternant ! » As part of the consultations on the draft regulation modifying the minimum wage, the Minimum18$ coalition, of which the SFPQ is a member, is tabling an opinion today on the minimum wage in Quebec. The benefits of raising the minimum wage to $18 per hour are too numerous for... Read more →

PRESS RELEASE – QUEBEC, October 25, 2021

For immediate release "He touched me and there was nothing I could do" Women without immigration status want to be able to file a complaint against their employers QUEBEC CITY, October 25, 2021 - Harassed and threatened by a co-worker for several weeks to the point of contemplating ending her life, Nina had no choice but to quit her job to put an end to the sexual violence she was... Read more →

Cuisines Collectives Interculturelles

Dialogue, Rapprochement et Action Collective Le Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants (CTI) a été fondé en 1999 à Montréal et poursuit aujourd’hui son travail dans plusieurs villes du Québec. Le projet des « Cuisines collectives interculturelles » (CCI) émerge d’un long processus de réflexion et d’action qui remonte aux débuts de l’implantation du CTI, section Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, en 2012. Depuis neuf ans de travail au Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, les membres du CTI... Read more →

Notes du Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants (CTI) à l’égard de La planification de l’immigration au Québec pour la période 2020-2022

Volume de l’immigration Compte tenu de l’évolution démographique, notamment provenant du vieillissement de la population et de la retraite des baby-boomers prévue dans les années 2020, il y a une nécessité économique de l’augmentation du volume de l’immigration. Plus profondément, en tant que constituante du monde globalisée, le Québec a la responsabilité morale d’assumer dans sa capacité maximale la population quittant leur pays en dépit des difficultés manifestes en vue... Read more →

Resolution Demanding the Protection of Human Rights at Dollarama: Press Conference Faced with the Resolution Submitted by the BCGEU to the Dollarama Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting

Montreal, June 8, 2021. – To the Dollarama shareholders’ annual general meeting, scheduled for June 9th, a resolution has been submitted by the British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU). The resolution stresses the need to insure the human rights of workers and requests that “Dollarama prepare a report outlining how it assesses and mitigates the human rights risks arising out of its use of third-party staffing agencies for... Read more →

Guide for Temporary Migrant Workers and Case Workers in Quebec

Download: Guide for Temporary Migrant Workers and Case Workers in Quebec The production of this material was financially supported by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur (MES) through the Fonds des services aux collectivités program. The production also received support from the Canada Research Chairs Program and funding from Université du Québec à Chicoutimi.

Pour Montréal « responsable et engagée » : appuyant la Motion à soutenir la régularisation des personnes sans statut légal vivant sur son territoire

Montréal, le 22 février 2021. La Motion visant à soutenir la régularisation des personnes sans statut égal vivant sur son territoire, proposée par Mme Giuliana Fumagalli et appuyée par M. Marvin Rotrand, sera discutée aujourd’hui au Conseil de la Ville de Montréal. Des organisations oeuvrant auprès des personnes à statut précaire ou sans statut, Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants (CTI), Association des travailleurs et travailleuses temporaires d’agence de placement... Read more →

The Curfew: a dangerous hypocrisy for workers with precarious status

An open letter from the ATTAP Women's Committee - January 2021 Community groups have been saying it for almost a year now. Sanitary measures have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable or marginalized populations. Despite these denunciations from all sides, and while the Quebec Superior Court has just decreed the exemption of people experiencing homelessness from the curfew, the CAQ stubbornly maintains the curfew along with increased police surveillance... Read more →

City of Montreal: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!

The city of Montréal has been talking the talk with community groups and activist networks fighting for regularization for years. It's time to walk the walk!   For Immediate Release, Friday, February 5th   The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) and other groups have been in consultation with the Ville de Montréal since 2017, including a recent meeting last week surrounding the impacts of the curfew on undocumented people in the... Read more →

Press Release: “End curfew repression! Stop police harassment!”

The IWC issues four demands to protect precarious essential workers   Montreal, January 26, 2021. Precarious workers demand an immediate end to the harassment, detention, ticketing and arbitrary bullying of essential workers without status by police on the pretext of enforcing the curfew. The Immigrant Workers Centre demand that the following policies be implemented immediately:   A don't ask, don't tell policy for workers without status Acceptance of the essential... Read more →

Precarious Immigrant Workers Respond to Legault’s Policy Trainwreck: The Coalition Against Precarious Work Ask Legault Listen to Their Demands

MONTREAL, December 12, 2020: The coalition against Precarious Work invites media to an online press conference. Workers will present their misgivings about current policies and demands related to workplace health and safety and immigration policy. Online Press Conference: 11 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020 Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sfuCtqDkjHNQ1udMxnibXZbocmT_WIaeF Campaign Launch event: 6 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020à Register for the Zoom event here: https://bit.ly/2VVyeIk Removing snow from truck trailers is dangerous... Read more →

Montreal Artists Support Dollarama Workers’ Campaign for Justice

Open letter published in collaboration with the Immigrant Workers Center Today in Montreal, front-line workers at Dollarama are campaigning for justice. These workers are courageously denouncing unsanitary working conditions in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. While Dollarama warehouse workers in Montreal point to health risks and inadequate compensation, retail store workers are also demanding fairer working conditions. As Montreal artists, we support these workers' demand for justice. This campaign... Read more →
Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA-ATTAP)

Open Letter to François Legault

Dear Prime Minister, During this pandemic time, we would like to draw your attention to the plight of undocumented migrants. These are essential and ignored workers for whom we demand : Access to an income for the duration of the pandemic. A health card with all the privileges it gives all citizens. Issuance of Certificats de sélection de Québec, which allow people to apply for permanent residency at the federal... Read more →

Essential Work should not be Precarious Work: Workers speak up for better conditions during COVID-19 Pandemic

What: Press Conference (Zoom link available by request) When: 10am Friday May 1st, 2020 Who: Coalition against Precarious Work Jorge Frozzini, Community Organizer Immigrant Workers Centre Charles, former Dollarama warehouse worker living in Montreal Nord Andrew and his mother, meat processing plant worker Eric, Current agricultural worker and Temporary Foreign Worker Celina San Juan, precarious worker fighting for her status and access to the CERB Jennifer, a caregiver who has... Read more →

An income allowance, regardless of status

Call Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: (613) 992-4211   Call your Member of Parliament: https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en    The government announced income support measures last week, and the corresponding legislation will be debated tomorrow. The details - who will qualify, how much and for how long - will be decided at that time. Now is the time to ensure that no one is left behind. You must act immediately. When you call, remind... Read more →
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Temporary suspension of public office hours

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 -- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Immigrant Workers' Centre (IWC-CTI) is suspending its hours of operation and its legal clinic. If you have any questions regarding work-related issues or your status as a migrant worker, please call (514) 342-2111 or email us at iwc_cti@yahoo.com. Leave your name and phone number. We will contact you within 24 hours. We will post important information for workers regarding... Read more →
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Warehouse Workers Commission Report and Launch

An evening of food, culture and testimonials Saturday, November 23, 2019, 4 pm - 6 pm Immigrant Workers Centre, 4755 Ave Van Horne Suite 110, Montréal https://www.facebook.com/events/2678167875566768/ The Immigrant Workers Centre would like to invite you to participate in the launch of our report which was based on a two-year investigation on the conditions faced by warehouse workers in Montreal. There will be an event on Saturday, November 23rd at... Read more →

Placement Agency Organizing at the IWC in 2018-2019

Over the past year, ATTAP has had three main priorities. Here, we will provide an overview of organizing activity which has taken place to advance those priorities.   Over the past year, the Immigrant Workers Centre has continued its efforts to organize workers who are employed via placement agency. The main organizing body that does this work is the Association des travailleuses-eurs temporaires et d’agences de placement (ATTAP), a branch... Read more →
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Historic legal victory for migrant workers’ right to employment insurance

Press release   Immigrant Workers Centre, Mouvement Action-Chômage de Montréal, Association of Progressive Jurists (AJP)   Montreal May 24, 2019   On May 10th, 2019, the Tax Court of Canada made a historic ruling in recognizing that temporary foreign workers can be eligible to receive employment insurance (EI) benefits, even if they have worked without a valid work permit.   Accompanied by the Immigrant Workers Centre, a group of approximately... Read more →
Protégeons les travailleurs et travailleuses précaires - Mémoire sur la Loi modifiant la Loi sur les normes du travail et d’autres dispositions législatives afin principalement de faciliter la conciliation famille-travail (Mai 2018)

Protégeons les travailleurs et travailleuses précaires – Mémoire sur la Loi modifiant la Loi sur les normes du travail et d’autres dispositions législatives afin principalement de faciliter la conciliation famille-travail (Mai 2018)

Protégeons les travailleurs et travailleuses précaires - Mémoire sur la Loi modifiant la Loi sur les normes du travail et d’autres dispositions législatives afin principalement de faciliter la conciliation famille-travail (Mai 2018)

What’s Wrong with Rights? Social movements, law and liberal imaginations

Radha D’Souza in conversation with Dolores Chew (CERAS) Devlin Kuyek (GRAIN) Aziz Choudry (Immigrant Workers Centre/McGill University)   18H30, Wednesday 2 MayImmigrant Workers Centre 110-4755 Avenue Van Horne Metro Plamondon (Plamondon exit)   Radha D’Souza has worked as an organizer and lawyer for labour movements, democratic rights and social movements in the Asia Pacific region. As a legal scholar, she has written extensively on the politics, human rights and social... Read more →

Gathering for May Day 2018!

Organized by the Coalition against Precarious Work in front of the Labour Standards Commission 500 Rene-Levesque West , Montreal Tuesday May 1st @ 5pm-6pm   This May 1st, the Coalition Against Precarious Work (Pinay, Immigrant Workers Centre, Migrant Workers Association of Quebec, Temporary Agency Workers Association and Mexican United for  Regularization) will hold a gathering in front of the CNESST on 500 Rene Lévesque between 5pm and 6pm. The rally... Read more →
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“That was a kidnapping”: CBSA cuts fence to deport Lucy Granados with only the clothes on her back

Press Release   Supporters call on Minister Hussen to Bring Lucy Home   Montreal, 16 April -- Lucy Francineth Granados arrived in Guatemala late on April 13th with only the clothes on her back after a turbulent final morning in Canada. Prevented from removing Lucy from the Laval Immigration Detention Centre by around 50 community... Read more →
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Supporters demand justice, proper medical attention for Lucy Granados, who faces deportation Friday, April 13, 2018

Press Release Montreal, 11 April 2018 - Supporters of Lucy Francineth Granados demand recourse for rights violations as well as appropriate medical attention for the single mother of three, who is facing deportation to Guatemala on April 13th, after living in Montreal for nine years. On Monday, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) refused to grant an administrative stay of deportation to Lucy; on Tuesday, the agency opposed her motion... Read more →

COMPTE RENDU LA JOURNÉE DE RÉFLEXION SUR LE SALAIRE MINIMUM À 15 DOLLARS DE L’HEURE AU QUÉBEC

COMPTE RENDU LA JOURNÉE DE RÉFLEXION SUR LE SALAIRE MINIMUM À 15 DOLLARS DE L’HEURE AU QUÉBEC Campagnes unies pour le salaire minimum à 15 $ l’heure Ce document est un compte rendu rédigé par le comité de coordination des campagnes unies pour le salaire minimum à 15 $ l’heure, basé sur les discussions menées lors de la « Journée de réflexion sur le salaire minimum à 15 dollars de... Read more →

Le regroupement régional se retire du processus gouvernemental

Communiqué de presse -- Pour publication immediate   Le regroupement régional chargé des consultations locales sur la discrimination systémique et le racisme annonce qu’il se retire du processus gouvernemental   Saguenay, 3 novembre 2017 – Le regroupement régional d’organismes chargé de mener les consultations locales dans le cadre de la « Consultation sur la discrimination systémique et le racisme au Québec », devenue le « Forum sur la valorisation de... Read more →

Consultation on systemic discrimination and racism in Quebec – Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Section Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean         Press release -For immediate release- A group of organizations has been given the responsibility for completing local consultations on systemic discrimination and racism in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Saguenay, September 26, 2017 - The regional branch of the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) has been given responsibility for organizing local consultations as part of the Consultation sur la discrimination systémique et le racisme au Québec, in partnership with... Read more →

iwc

iwc, a set by Thien V on Flickr.

Agency Workers Have the Right to Holiday Pay. Did you get yours?

Agency Workers Have the Right to Holiday Pay. Did you get yours? If you didn't receive your holiday pay on May 21st, June 24th, or July 1st, bring your pay stubs to 4755 Van Horne, Suite 110 (near Metro Plamondon), on July 6th at 3:30pm. The Temporary Agency Worker's Association can help you claim it. https://www.facebook.com/events/500870933314562

Help us Keep the Immigrant Workers Centre open

The Immigrant Workers Centre has experienced one of it busiest years as more and more courageous workers, sometimes without status, fighting for respect and protection against bosses, who believe that workplace abuse is justified particularly if the worker is a recent immigrant or someone without status. Staff and volunteers at the centre accompany workers in their fight back. For individuals with grievances, it takes many hours to prepare cases, do... Read more →

WORKSHOP ON EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

WORKSHOP ON EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE & THE UNEMPLOYMENT OF TEMPORARY AGENCY WORKERS Saturday, June 1st, 2013, 4:00 pm Provided by Mouvement Action Chômage 4755 Van Horne Street, Suite # 110 Immigrant Worker Centre (IWC) To answer all your questions: Do I have the right to obtain unemployment benefits even if I don’t have papers? Am I entitled for unemployment insurance if I don’t have an actual job but am still employed... Read more →

IWC Meets with the Office of Minister Angès Maltais, Demanding Action (Press Conference)

When: Friday May 24th, at 6pm Where: In front of 800 Square Victoria, Montréal, QC H3C 1E8 Who: Migrant workers will be present to speak about their experiences and explain their demands On Friday, May 24th, a coalition of organizations who defend the rights of people struggling with precarious work and will meet with representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity (Minister Agnès Maltais). This meeting follows... Read more →

Montreal demonstrators demanding “STATUS FOR ALL” for migrants in Canada

Migrant justice organizations marching in four contingents from neighborhoods across the City of Montreal PRESS POINT (before the demonstration) SATURDAY, MAY 18 at 10AM at Phillips Square (Union & Ste-Catherine) contact: solidaritesansfrontieres@gmail.com / 438-875-7243 (cell) info: www.solidarityacrossborders.org for updates during the march, follow @SolidariteMTL on twitter Speakers at the Press Point will include members of Dignidad Migrante, the Immigrant Workers Center, Mexicans United for Regularization, No One Is Illegal-Montreal and Solidarity Across... Read more →

ARTISTS’ BLOC du CTI-IWC

ARTISTS' BLOC du CTI-IWCyou are invited to join this exciting project in community activist art, co-created by workers and for workers to share stories of resistance and dignity in struggle. / FRIDAY MAY 30th at 3 P.M. Contact: iwc_cti@yahoo.ca, or 514-342-2111 Centre des Travailleurs et Travailleuses Immigrants (CTI-IWC) 4755 Van Horne, Bureau 110 Web: https://iwc-cti.ca/fr/mayworks2013/ FB: www.facebook.com/groups/197543913729369/

ARTISTS’ BLOC du CTI-IWC

vous êtes invité.e.s à nous joindre pour ce projet inspirant en art communautaire et activiste, co-crée avec des travailleurs.ses et pour des travailleur.ses pour partager les expériences de résistance et de dignité dans nos luttes. / you are invited to join this exciting project in community activist art, co-created by workers and for workers to share stories of resistance and dignity in struggle. / les invitan a participar en un... Read more →

A mexican refugee and her Canadian daughter is detained the day before the Status for All March

Press Conference Friday, May 17th, 9:30am Immigration Canada 1010 Saint-Antoine Ouest, Montréal   With the friends of Ms Guzman and a representative of the Status for All Coaltion   Media Contact : 514-619-3648, 514-632-0072   The day before the annual status for all march for all migrants and for the end of detentions and deportations, six Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents violently entered the home of non-status Montrealer, Norma Guzman,... Read more →

The Immigrant Workers Centre celebrates migrant workers struggles through art

When: Saturday May 11, 2013 from 6:30pm-10:30pm Where: CEDA, 2515 Delisle (metro Lionel-Groulx)MONTREAL- May 9, 2013- The Immigrant Workers Centre is gearing up for its' eighth annual MayWorks festival. This year’s event will feature a debut performance of the Immigrant Workers Centre Community theatre project. Co-created by workers and for workers, the project aims to enable workers to share stories of resistance and dignity in struggle Engaging with a variety of... Read more →

March in solidarity with indigenous struggles

STATUS FOR ALL! March for justice and dignity for all migrants and refugees In solidarity with Indigenous struggles for self-determination SATURDAY, MAY 18, 20131pm: Join ONE of FOUR Contingents: * SOUTH-WEST (Little Burgundy, Pointe-Saint-Charles, Saint-Henri and Verdun) 1pm at métro de l’Église (corner Galt & Wellington) * NORTH-WEST (Côte-des-Neiges, Ville St-Laurent, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce) 1pm at Parc Kent (corner Cote-des-Neiges & Kent) * NORTH-EAST (Villeray, Parc-Extension, St-Michel, Ahuntsic, Rosemont-Petite-Patrie, Mile End) 1pm at métro Jarry; 2pm at... Read more →

Mayworks 2013!

Mayworks 2013! Community Dinner and Cultural Performances >óóóóóóóó< Saturday May 11th @ 6pm Doors at 6:30pm dinner and performances @ 7:30pm CÉDA (2515, rue Delisle), Métro Lionel-Groulx Admission is free, donations welcome! =>óóóóóóó<= Join us for the eighth annual Mayworks festival, a family friendly evening of food, music and performances celebrating migrant workers struggles through the arts. This year’s Mayworks! Will feature a debut performance of the Immigrant Workers Centre... Read more →

Migrant workers respond to federal and provincial governments’ ‘double-assault’ on rights of temporary foreign workers

Notice to the media Migrant workers respond to federal and provincial governments' 'double-assault' on rights of temporary foreign workers Wednesday May 1st, 2013 at 10 A.M.   Immigrants Workers’ Centre, 4755 Van Horne, office number 110 (Plamondon Metro), Montreal.   This May Day, a coalition of temporary foreign workers, live-in caregivers, temporary agency workers and workers without status is speaking out about changes announced Monday by the federal government to... Read more →

Press conference May 1st.

Notice to the media   Press conference on the petitions made to the Minister of Labour Agnès Maltais and follow-up on the consultation of April 5th, 2013.   Wednesday May 1st, 2013 at 10 A.M.   Immigrants Workers’ Centre, 4755 Van Horne, office number 110 (Plamondon Metro), Montreal.   During the last consultation on April 5th, several organisations that fight for the rights of the most vulnerable groups in our... Read more →

Community Groups Demand Better Protection for Precarious Workers

For immediate release April 3, 2013 Community Groups Demand Better Protection for Precarious Workers   On April 5th, the Immigrant Workers Center (IWC) and allied community organizations will put forward demands for a provincial law protecting precarious workers during a public assembly. Banding together under a common banner, domestic workers, migrant workers, undocumented workers and temporary agency workers will present their case pushing for legislation that includes CSST coverage for... Read more →

From Migrant Voices to MayWorks: Art Activism and Interventions with the IWC

From Migrant Voices to MayWorks: Art Activism and Interventions with the IWC Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Feb. 8 to May 11 2013 Beginning this Saturday February 8th at 2:30 p.m. Immigrant Workers Centre 4755 Van Horne, Suite 110 Metro Plamondon or bus 161 The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) and Engrenage Rouage Noir invite participants to take part in a community activist art project, co-created by workers and... Read more →