Sep 24

Workplace Violence: A Guatemalan Worker Fights for His Status in Quebec

In January 2022, a Guatemalan temporary worker employed in a Quebec factory was physically assaulted by his employer. This incident not only exposed the abuses faced by foreign workers but also led to the worker losing his legal status due to the rigidity of closed work permits. He is now fighting to regain his status and calling for legislative reforms to protect temporary workers from such situations.

Viviana Medina, a community organizer at the Immigrant Workers Centre (CTI-IWC), is deeply concerned about the plight of temporary workers, particularly those who lose their status due to workplace violence. She argues that the current system is too inflexible for these vulnerable individuals. Medina advocates for a legislative overhaul that would allow foreign workers to retain their status despite abuse, while ensuring more humane and protective labor rights.

Read more here (in french)

Related Posts

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 →

(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 →

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 →