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. However, once in Canada, these workers were allegedly forced to work illegally for a so-called “probationary” period, without ever receiving the promised documents. Some testimonies report threats of deportation and psychological pressure to keep them employed despite their precarious status.
The class action represents approximately 400 workers who were allegedly victims of this “illicit” employment system. The IWC emphasizes that these practices not only violated workers’ fundamental rights, but also highlighted flaws in Canada’s immigration system, including the use of closed work permits that tie workers to a single employer.
In response to the accusations, Newrest stated that it takes these allegations “very seriously” and announced the opening of an internal investigation. The company affirms that it respects Canadian laws and regularly audits its subcontractors to ensure their compliance.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities of migrant workers in Canada and raises questions about the responsibility of companies and authorities to protect their rights.
Read more:
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/es/noticia/2163151/trabajadores-migrantes-denuncian-que-no-recibieron-pagos-de-agencia-sancionada
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