Author Archive for Ibrahim Alsahary

About Ibrahim Alsahary

No Refuge in Fortress Canada: On World Refugee Day, We Refuse Hypocrisy

Today, as politicians in Ottawa issue hollow statements about “welcoming refugees” and celebrating Canada’s “humanitarian values,” we at the Immigrant Workers Centre refuse to join in their hypocrisy. World Refugee Day is not a celebration—it is a moment of mourning and rage. While the government waves its diversity flag abroad, it continues to build a fortress at home. This year, the new government of Prime Minister Mark Carney—a former banker... Read more →

Quebec Declares War on Workers: IWC Denounces Anti-Labour Bill 89

89 as an outright attack on working-class power and a gift to corporate bosses. Passed in defiance of mass opposition, this legislation criminalizes collective resistance, muzzles strike action, and threatens every worker’s basic human right to organize and fight back. “This is class warfare. Bill 89 isn’t reform — it’s repression,” said Mustafa Hanawi, community organizer with the IWC. “Immigrant and precarious workers are being pushed further into silence, exploitation,... Read more →

Mass Protest Shuts Down CANSEC Over Israel-Gaza Genocide Allegations

Ottawa,  Hundreds of demonstrators have blocked access to CANSEC, North America’s largest weapons and military technology expo, in protest against what they call Canadian complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The protesters gathered early this morning at the entrances of the EY Centre in Ottawa, confronting delegates from Canadian and Israeli arms companies and military officials. Their message: end the arms trade that enables mass atrocities. Among the demonstrators... Read more →

Status for All: Migrant Women Resist Invisibility and Demand Dignity

As part of the World Social Forum of Intersections (FSMI), the Committee for Human Rights in Latin America (CDHAL) and the Women’s Committee of the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC/CTTI) came together to organize a powerful workshop on a reality that is too often ignored: the lives of undocumented women in Canada. To be a woman, a migrant, racialized… and without status.What does it mean to live through this triple marginalization... Read more →

Chicoutimi hosts awareness evening on migrant labour issues

Chicoutimi, May 28, 2025 — This Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., the Marguerite-Tellier Hall at the Chicoutimi Library will host an evening of information and reflection on the realities faced by migrant workers in Canada. Organized in collaboration between Amnesty International Canada Francophone and the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTTI) of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, the event aims to shed light on systemic injustices experienced by thousands of migrant workers. On the program: Introduction to... Read more →

A Tribute to Eric Shragge: A Legacy of Service and Compassion

After more than two decades of unwavering dedication to migrant workers and their families, Eric Shragge is stepping down from his role as head of our center, marking the end of an era defined by compassion, professionalism, and selfless service. Professor Shragge brought to our center not only his academic credentials from Concord University but also a heart deeply committed to social justice and human dignity. For 25 years, he... Read more →

The Hidden Barriers: Employment Struggles of the Blind Community

By Kader Belaouni Despite remarkable advances in assistive technology—from sophisticated screen readers to AI-powered navigation apps—blind individuals continue to face profound employment barriers that technology alone cannot resolve. The Job Search Challenge Employment begins with inaccessible online job portals featuring image-based CAPTCHA systems and poorly coded websites that screen readers cannot interpret. Video interviews present additional challenges when employers expect eye contact and visual cues, while many companies fail to... Read more →

Migrant workers denounce systemic exploitation: IWC files class action against Trésor and Newrest

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) has filed a class action with the Superior Court of Quebec, targeting the employment agency Trésor and the multinational airline catering company Newrest. This initiative follows allegations that these companies lured migrant workers under false pretenses, encouraging them to work without valid permits in abusive conditions. According to the CTI, Trésor recruited individuals, primarily from Spanish-speaking countries, by promising them legitimate jobs and work permits.... Read more →

Montreal Workers Rally for Fair Conditions Amid Rising Job Insecurity (video)

In Montreal, a coalition of labour unions and community organizations gathered on Thursday to call for improved working conditions and to highlight growing concerns about the state of social and economic well-being. Organizers emphasized the urgent need to address rising job insecurity and to ensure that all workers have access to fair, stable, and dignified employment. Watch the video: https://next.frame.io/share/ec3fe010-f0b0-4a3e-9f01-9cb89bfe9fd4/view/5c8cf9e8-23cd-4c71-aece-1e20a943f321  

May Day in Montreal: Migrant Workers Lead the Call for Justice and Dignity

This May 1st, as workers across the globe marked International Workers’ Day, Montreal saw a powerful show of unity and resistance. The immigrant working class stood at the heart of the mobilization, raising their voices against poverty wages, unsafe conditions, and the relentless exploitation of labor—all sanctioned by capitalist interests and the governments that serve them. The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) marched in strong numbers, joined by key allies including... Read more →

Labor Day: Between Celebration and Hardship

BY Kader Belaouni Labor Day comes this year amid harsh economic realities facing workers across various sectors. Despite the importance of celebrating this occasion that symbolizes workers' struggles throughout history, current living conditions cast a shadow over the joy of this day. Workers today face numerous challenges, particularly the continuous rise in prices of essential goods, which reduces the purchasing power of wages that are no longer sufficient to provide... Read more →

Occupational Health and Safety Summit 2025: The Workers’ Voice Rises

At the Quebec City Convention Center, over 1,500 participants from major unions like the CSD, CSN, and FTQ, along with advocacy groups such as UTTAM and IWC-CTI, gathered for a historic summit on occupational health and safety. Over two days, they discussed the challenges workers face, particularly after legislative changes like Bill 89, which overhauled Quebec’s occupational health and safety system. Sessions focused on critical issues such as safe return-to-work policies,... Read more →

Public Debate: The Future of Immigration in Canada – Challenges for International Students & Migrant Workers

Over the last two decades, the number of international students and migrant workers has been constantly increased, and they have been exposed to complex challenges. Particularly since 2024, the government of Canada put in place numerous changes in the immigration programs, further restricting their conditions of entry and stay in Canada. Within the on-going election campaigns of the federal government, the immigration policy is also one of the main issues... Read more →

Workshop Alert: Navigating Work Permit Changes in Canada

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) is hosting an educational workshop to guide migrant workers through the work permit change process in Canada. This free session will clarify procedures, rights, and key steps for those seeking to modify their work permits. Details: Registration Required (Link: https://bit.ly/WorkPermitWorkshop) Exclusively for Migrant Workers Virtual Participation (Link sent upon registration) Important Note: This is a public education workshop and does not replace legal advice. Attendees with complex cases are encouraged to consult a... Read more →

Powerful Show of Solidarity at Amazon Workers Rally in Parc-Extension

What we witnessed yesterday in Parc-Extension was the birth of a new labor movement," said Mostafa Henaway, community organizer at the Migrant Workers Center, addressing last night's rally organized by the IWC-CTI's Amazon Workers Committee. "These workers—many of them immigrants and temporary foreign workers—are exposing how billion-dollar corporations exploit loopholes in Quebec's labor laws to crush unionization efforts." Québec Solidaire MNA Andrés Fontecilla, who condemned the lack of protections, said... Read more →

Workers’ Rights Advocates Rally Against Bill 89, Denouncing Attack on Strike Rights

Quebec City, [19 March]— The Immigrant Workers Centre (CTI-IWC) joined forces with Action Chômage de Québec and RÉPAC 03-12 this afternoon to stand in solidarity with the Conseil régional FTQ Québec et Chaudière-Appalaches (CRQCA-FTQ) in its mobilization against Bill 89. The controversial legislation has drawn sharp criticism from labor groups, who argue that it undermines the fundamental right to strike for workers across Quebec. Demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition,... Read more →

WDO Hosts 2025 International Women’s Day Press Conference

Women of Diverse Origins Marks IWD 2025 with Press Conference The press conference will feature speeches from women who are leaders, organizers, and activists from various communities and groups, representing a wide range of women’s struggles and resistances worldwide. Speakers will include workers from Amazon and from the migrant and health sectors. We will also hear about women’s issues in Indigenous communities, Palestine, Haiti, the Philippines, and Sudan. Women of... Read more →

Montréal Workers Rally Against Amazon’s Mass Layoffs and Union-Busting Tactics

On a cold, snow-covered Saturday in Montréal, hundreds of demonstrators gathered to protest Amazon’s decision to shut down seven of its warehouses in Quebec, including the company’s first and only unionized facility in Canada. The protest, organized by the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), was a powerful display of solidarity among workers, union organizers, and community members who are demanding justice for the thousands of workers laid off by the... Read more →

Valentine’s Day cards for Justin Trudeau: Non-status migrant workers demand justice

Today, on the occasion of Valentine's Day, members of the Montreal Workers Council of the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) presented symbolic Valentine's Day cards to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The cards, filled with poignant messages, were intended to remind him of a broken promise: to regularize non-status migrants in Canada. This creative and militant action was organized to highlight the fact that, despite fine words and election pledges, thousands of... Read more →

Amazon Workers Demand Government Intervention as Quebec Warehouses Shut Down

On Wednesday, Amazon workers and their supporters gathered outside Quebec’s Labour Ministry in a powerful demonstration of solidarity, demanding that the provincial government intervene after the company announced the abrupt closure of all seven of its warehouses in the province. The closures, which include Amazon’s only unionized facility in Canada, have left thousands of workers without jobs and sparked outrage among labor advocates and lawmakers. DEMANDS OF THE WORKERS AMAZON... Read more →

Amazon’s Closure of Quebec Operations due to Anti-Union Retaliation

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the labor community, Amazon announced today the closure of all its logistics operations in Quebec, resulting in the layoff of approximately 1,700 permanent employees. The company stated that it will revert to a third-party delivery model, similar to its operations prior to 2020, aiming to provide "more savings to our customers over the long run". Unionization Efforts at DXT4 Warehouse This decision... Read more →

Canada Tightens Open Work Permits for Families of International Students and Workers

Starting January 21, 2025, Canada will significantly limit open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and temporary foreign workers. Key Changes for International Students’ Families Only spouses of students in specific programs will qualify for OWPs, including: Master’s programs lasting 16+ months Doctoral programs Select professional programs (e.g., Medicine, Law, Engineering) Previously, spouses of students in various programs, including shorter master’s degrees, were eligible. New Rules for... Read more →

ABOUT Women’s Committee

The TAWA Women's Committee aims to shed light on the specific issues that women with precarious immigration status face in the workplace. The Committee is fighting for the regularization of immigration status, access to healthcare, and access to justice for all. Origins of the TAWA Women's Committee   In 2014, the Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA) established the Leadership Development for Women Factory Agency Workers which, as the name suggests,... Read more →

(IWC-CTI) Amplifies Advocacy Amid Policy Changes

December 18, 2024 In response to recent immigration policy shifts in Quebec, the Immigrant Workers Center (IWC-CTI) has intensified its advocacy efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant workers and temporary residents. Policy Changes and Community Response On November 3, 2024, the Quebec government announced a moratorium on two permanent immigration programs: the Regular Skilled Worker Program and the Graduate Stream of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). This suspension, effective... Read more →

Community Solidarity at Canada Post Strike Picket Line

This morning, members of the Immigrant Workers Centre joined the Canada Post workers' strike picket line in Decaria to show support for their fight for fair pay and improved working conditions. The show of solidarity comes on the heels of a federal government announcement aiming to end the weeks-long strike by forcing workers back to their posts. As postal workers moved inside to discuss the government's announcement, the Immigrant Workers... Read more →
  • December 13, 2024
  • News

Montreal Workers’ Assembly: A Day Without Migrants Planned for December 18

Montreal, December 8, 2024 Yesterday, the Montreal Workers' Assembly met to prepare for a major mobilization scheduled for December 18: A Day Without Migrants. This event, organized in solidarity with migrants and refugees, aims to highlight their essential role in society and to denounce restrictive immigration policies and the precarious working conditions they often face. This date coincides with International Migrants Day, a day proclaimed by the United Nations to... Read more →

Eni Lestari Represents the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) Summit Opening Ceremony

What is IMA? The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) is the first-ever global alliance of, for and led by grassroots migrants, refugees and displaced peoples. IMA was established in June 2008 by 108 organizations from 25 countries. Currently, IMA has more than 158 member organizations from more than 30 countries worldwide. Its membership is divided into two – regular members, for grassroots, migrant-led, membership-based organizations; and associate... Read more →

IWC-CTI Annual Report 2023-2024

The following report covers CTTI's activities from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. It presents the main activities and highlights of the past year. Two major campaigns dominated the center's agenda. The first is the ongoing campaign to regularize the status of people with no status or with a precarious or temporary status. These situations have affected a large number of our members. This campaign has led to the... Read more →

Union Documentary Highlights Amazon Workers’ Fight for Justice

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) was proud to sponsor, alongside CREW-CSN and the Montreal Amazon Workers Union in Laval, co-organize with Cinema Politica the Montreal Premiere of Union an award-winning documentary on the historic struggle of Amazon workers at JFK 8 in Staten Island, in 2022. The night was a full house with over 200 in audience for the premiere was followed by a lively exchange with film co-director Steven... Read more →

A Song of Hope and Solidarity: My Experience at the Ottawa Immigration Debate

By Gaurav Sharma I am writing to share my experience as a guest participant at a meeting held in Ottawa on November 23, 2024. The event was organized by the Filipino Organization and the Immigrant Worker Center, where I had the honor of being invited to take part in a debate on the topic of immigration in Canada. During the discussion, we addressed several key issues, including the current situation... Read more →

Standing Up for Migrant Rights in the Face of Reduced Immigration Targets

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) continues to advocate for justice and dignity for migrants amidst mounting concerns over Canada's reduced immigration targets. Recent press coverage highlights the urgent challenges faced by migrant workers as policies tighten, putting countless individuals already living and working in the country in increasingly precarious situations. Reports from CityNews, Le Devoir, and CTV News emphasize the voices of community leaders and activists, including calls for a... Read more →

Denounce New Immigration Restrictions and Amplify Migrant Workers’ Voices

Montreal, November 8, 2024 - The Centre for Immigrant Workers invites you to a press conference to address the latest changes in immigration policy and the government’s false promise to implement a regularization program. In recent months, the Canadian and Quebec governments have implemented a restructuring of the Program for Temporary Foreign Workers, International Students and Asylum Seekers. The announced measures directly affect several precarious worker groups and will lead... Read more →

Campaign Against the Impoverishment of Injured or Sick Workers

On October 15, a letter co-signed by several associations was sent to Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, to denounce two major injustices faced by injured or sick workers: Compensation Below the Minimum Wage: Many victims are receiving compensation that does not follow the indexing of the minimum wage, leading to a significant loss of income. Impoverishment in Retirement: All victims of work-related injuries suffer financial hardship in retirement because the... Read more →

Mobilization Against Immigration Policy Changes: Québec Workers Demand Justice

On Saturday, November 2nd at 1:00 pm, a mobilization and march took place in rejection of the recent immigration policy changes. It was an event organized by the Québec Coalition for Regularization and Migrant Justice, a coalition of almost 50 organizations in Québec. CTTI is an active part of this coalition, organizing migrant workers and immigrants of all status to respond to the aforementioned policies and the abuses experienced for... Read more →

Quebec Court Greenlights Explosive Class Action Against Abusive Work Permits

In a historic win for workers' rights, Quebec’s Superior Court has approved a lawsuit exposing Canada’s exploitative system of closed work permits. Temporary foreign workers, trapped under contracts with specific employers, are fighting back against conditions that trample on their most basic rights. Led by the Association for the Rights of Domestic and Agricultural Workers, the case alleges rampant violations of the Charter, including widespread abuse, underpayment, and harassment. This... Read more →

Amazon Workers in Quebec, Victory for Union Rights!

The Quebec Labour Tribunal has ruled in favor of the union at Amazon's Lachine distribution centre, ordering Amazon to pay $30,000 in damages for obstructing union efforts in May 2023. The tribunal found that Amazon's anti-union messages, spread throughout the workplace, violated workers' rights under Quebec Labour Code. This decision is a significant win for our right to organize and protect our working conditions. Remember, no matter how big the... Read more →

A limited program, widespread anger

By Carole Yerochewski In an interview with CBC and Reuters, Marc Miller announced some distressing news in the middle of summer, when it's hard to mobilize large numbers to protest: the Liberal government is backing down in the face of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, and is expected to examine a minimal regularization program, which will only concern workers in the health and construction sectors. We'll have to wait for Marc Miller's... Read more →
Félix et Denis, Syndicat des travailleurs d'Amazon

Towards a First Collective Agreement at Amazon

On July 23, 2024, a historic milestone was reached for the employees of the Amazon DXT4 warehouse in Laval, Quebec. The negotiation committee of the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs d'Amazon Laval–CSN presented a proposal for the first collective agreement to the employees. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the unionization efforts within the company. The employees of the Laval warehouse voted in favor of unionization in May 2024,... Read more →

Quebec strengthens measures to reduce accidents among foreign workers

In response to the increase in workplace accidents involving foreign workers, the Quebec government has recently announced additional funding to improve their safety at work. This initiative aims to enhance preventive measures and provide increased support to these vulnerable workers. According to statistics, the number of foreign workers injured on the job is constantly increasing. In response, Quebec is seeking solutions to improve the working conditions of these temporary employees,... Read more →

Unacceptable Working Conditions at Amazon: Workers Sound the Alarm Before Prime Day

As Prime Day 2024 approaches, scheduled for July 16 and 17, Amazon workers in Montreal are raising the alarm about their working conditions and safety. While this massive sales event promises savings and exclusive deals for Prime members, warehouse employees feel increased pressure and growing concerns for their health and safety. According to a Global News article, workers in Montreal are worried about the heightened demands imposed by their employers... Read more →

Revision of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: A Human Rights Priority

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), essential for addressing labor shortages, has significant human rights shortcomings. A recent report by Le Devoir highlights the urgent need to reform this program to prioritize human rights. Working Conditions and Workers' Rights Temporary foreign workers (TFWs) often face poor working conditions, including excessive hours, low wages, and lack of healthcare access. Their precarious status makes them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, with a... Read more →

Massive Anti-War Protests in Ottawa Against CANSEC 2024

On May 29, the Migrant Workers Center ( IWC-CTI) partnered with numerous community organizations across Canada to support the massive anti-war protests in Ottawa against CANSEC 2024, Canada’s largest defense and security trade show. The protests, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Palestine, targeted companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing for allegedly supplying arms to the Israeli army. Starting at the EY Center, protesters moved to Parliament Hill and the... Read more →

Montreal Mobilization for the regularization of non-status immigrants

On May 25, 2024, Montreal was the scene of a major mobilization in support of the regularization of non-status immigrants. The event, reported by CBC TV, brought together thousands of demonstrators from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common cause: obtaining legal status for irregular immigrants. The march highlighted the challenges and injustices faced by these people, who are often marginalized and vulnerable due to their lack of legal status.... Read more →

Urgent Rally: Holding Trudeau Accountable for Immigration Promises

This Saturday the Iwc-Cti and Solidarité sans frontière/Solidarity across border/Solidaridad sin frontera are organizing an emergency rally to ensure that the Liberal party commits to their promise to make a reality to finally implement a regularization program to give permanent status to all those without status or with precarious immigration status. It has been over 3 years since Trudeau has made this promise. Also last week, he again announced a... Read more →

Action Alert: Demand Permanent Residency for Undocumented Workers

The time is now to hold Prime Minister Trudeau accountable to his promise of regularization – granting permanent resident status for undocumented individuals. Despite assurances from the federal government earlier this Spring, Parliament is set to go on holiday as early as June 6, leaving us with unanswered questions and unfulfilled commitments. Undocumented workers across Canada continue to live in uncertainty and fear, facing daily challenges without the basic rights... Read more →

Ensuring Fair Treatment: The Reality of Foreign Worker Programs in Canada

In a nation priding itself on fairness and inclusivity, recent revelations regarding violations within Canada's temporary foreign worker programs have sparked concern. The federal government's crackdown on nearly 200 companies for infractions ranging from wage theft to workplace abuse underscores the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability. According to The Globe and Mail, last year, Ottawa imposed record fines totaling $2.7 million, reflecting a firm stance against exploitation in... Read more →

Mayworks Festival: Celebrating Worker Victories and Cultural Solidarity

Our annual Mayworks Festival celebrates our yearly victories for our various campaigns lead by our workers councils and committees across Quebec. This year we shared the cultural stage with the International Migrants Alliance and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines. We started the evening with presentations from our various workers' committees,  such as the women's committee, the Tresor and Newrest former workers committee, the warehouse workers committee,... Read more →

Canada is scaling back temporary foreign workers. Critics say the program needs an overhaul

  In a recent interview, Jill Hanley, Vice President of the Montreal-based Immigrant Workers Centre, shed light on the challenges faced by migrant workers in Canada, particularly in light of the country's evolving policies regarding temporary foreign workers. As Canada prepares to implement new rules aimed at scaling back temporary foreign workers, Hanley underscores the importance of understanding the human impact of such decisions. Hanley's work brings her face-to-face with... Read more →

May 1, Rally for International Workers’ Day

On May 1, 2024, as we observe International Workers' Day, our focus is on the theme "United for our working and living conditions." We extend a heartfelt invitation to join us in taking to the streets to address the escalating costs of living and the decline in our working conditions, social safety nets, and public services. With its recent reforms favoring employers, inclination towards privatization, and its stance on labor... Read more →

Amazon Workers in Quebec Ready to Form Historic Union

Today, Amazon workers in Laval, Quebec, ignite a revolutionary spark as they embark on the journey to form the first union in a Canadian Amazon warehouse. The Montreal Amazon Workers Union (MAWU-CSN) presents evidence to the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT), revealing a majority of DXT4 warehouse employees have signed union cards. In the face of exploitation and surveillance, workers unite against unjust wages, precarious contracts, and unsafe conditions. Their... Read more →

Why our members deserve and need permanent status now

The campaign for status 4 all continues. Today we are closer than ever, but the members of the Migrants Rights Network is calling on supporters to continue to put pressure on the federal government to demand status 4 all now. #StatusforAll would be "life changing for so many people." It's time for Justin Trudeau to #RegularizeEveryone. SEND AN EMAIL NOW https://migrantrights.ca/take-action/email/ This video explains why our members deserve and need... Read more →

Harmony of Cultures: A Night of Punjabi Musical Opera and Hindi Monologue

You are cordially invited to join us for an evening of cultural celebration presented by the Immigrant Workers Centre and Arts in The Margins. We are thrilled to announce a Punjabi musical opera and Hindi monologue performance on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at La Sala Rosa, located at 4848 Boulevard Saint Laurent, Montreal H2T 1R5. Doors will open at 5:00 PM, and the performance will commence promptly at 6:00 PM.... Read more →

Voices of the Immigrant Workers’ Centre

WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS In 2007, Montreal-based garment manufacturer Lamour prepared to shutter its Canadian production activities, gradually laying off nearly 500 of its employees to circumvent labour legislation that would force the company to pay collective layoff benefits. Over 2007 and 2008, Lamour workers and community organizers at the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) engaged in a struggle to gain compensation for Lamour employees. In 2023, Stefan Christoff and Lauren Laframboise... Read more →

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 →

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 →

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 →

“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 →

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 →

MANDATORY EXTRA TIME MAKES PEAK SEASON AT AMAZON UNSAFE FOR WORKERS

Download: MANDATORY EXTRA TIME Brochure By Jasper Jones As its title implies, Mandatory Extra Time, or mandatory overtime, in short, leaves workers no room for manoeuver. I have worked for Amazon for over six months in several locations in Montreal . Now, I know for a fact that safety comes last at Amazon, despite management’s claims.

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 →

Amazon Workers Committee’s Recent Achievements: New Flyer!

Download the New Flyer! The Labor Critic for Québec solidaire Alexandre Leduc has called for an investigation into the working conditions at Amazon warehouses in Quebec. Leduc urged the Minister of Labour to address the concerns of Amazon workers, emphasizing that the company's work methods do not comply with Quebec labour laws. He expressed serious concerns about health and safety standards, referring to the warehouses as "wound factories.    ... 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 →

Minimum18$ Coalition

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 →

Montreal Amazon’s Workers Committee

Montreal Amazon’s Workers Committee The Amazon warehouse workers committee brings together former and current Amazon workers, with the support of the Immigrant Workers Centre to create a space for workers to discuss the range of issues workers face. Whether it be health and safety, basic labour rights and wages, or problems related to unfair treatment by managers. The committee supports workers' efforts to file complaints at the CNESST, for their... 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 →
Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA-ATTAP)

Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA-ATTAP)

Mission Statement We aim to create a framework of reflection and promotion of labour rights, as well as work towards improving working conditions for temporary placement agency workers regardless of their immigration status Objectives Outreach, raise consciousness, mobilize and help organize workers Identify, discuss and resolve problems at the workplace Educate about labour rights (workshops) Raise awareness about agency workers' situation among unions, employers and anyone having contact with them... Read more →

TAWA Women’s Committee (TAWA-WC)

<h4><em>The TAWA Women's Committee aims to shed light on the specific issues that women with precarious immigration status face in the workplace. The Committee is fighting for the regularization of immigration status, access to healthcare, and access to justice for all.</em></h4> <h1>Origins of the TAWA Women's Committee</h1> <img class="alignleft wp-image-5778 size-thumbnail" src="https://iwc-cti.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1631035639062blob-480x270.png" alt="" width="480" height="270" /> <span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2014, the Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA) establ</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ished the... 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 →

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 →