UFCW Canada offers 20 scholarships to children of temporary foreign workers in Canada

Migration and the hope of providing a better future for our children have always gone hand in hand. As the largest private-sector union in Canada, United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada understands the importance of education. As such, we are offering 20 scholarships for the children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews of migrant workers.

Each scholarship is in the amount of $500 CDN. In 2010, UFCW Canada’s Migrant Workers Scholarships generated over 4,000 applications from around the globe and produced five extraordinary recipients.

Application Deadline:

December 31, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Only those accepted to receive the scholarships will be notified via registered mail or email by March 31, 2012.

Scholarship Criteria:

Only those persons who entered Canada to work under the Temporary Foreign Workers Program such as a live-in caregiver, a seasonal agriculture worker, or a temporary foreign worker in any industry  (“the Applicant”) are eligible to apply. An Applicant can nominate his/ her children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews.

The Nominee Child may be living in any country, can be of any nationality, must be between 4-25 years of age, and must be attending or hoping to attend an educational institution.

The Application Form must be fully completed to be considered and shall not be returned. The decision of UFCW Canada in awarding the Scholarships is final and not subject to review or scrutiny.

For more details: http://www.ufcw.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2058&Itemid=278&lang=en

CLICK THE LINK TO APPLY ONLINE:
http://www.ufcw.ca/index.php?option=com_chronocontact&Itemid=277&lang=en

IMA Statement on the Adoption of the ILO Convention on Domestic Workers

The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) congratulates domestic workers organizations, migrants groups and advocates for the rights of migrant workers who have advocated for the passing of an international instrument that can be used for the further advancement of domestic workers rights. Despite attempts by some governments, particularly of the European Union, to water down key provisions, the ILO Committee on Domestic Workers adopted the Convention on Domestic Workers that constituted a big step towards its passing.

Among migrant workers, an overwhelming number are in the domestic work sector. The frequent global crisis has pushed more and more people  especially women to domestic work as socio-economic and political problems in migrant-sending countries escalate. Meanwhile, the labour market in migrant-importing countries has contracted to the point where migrant workers are relegated to the 3D jobs dirty, difficult and dangerous that include domestic work.

As domestic workers, migrants experience some of the worst kind of exploitation and abuse. Severely underpaid, overworked and discriminated in all spheres, domestic workers labour rights are routinely violated with impunity. They suffer from extreme physical, mental and sexual abuse, and even brutal deaths.
Labour laws were not made to cover domestic workers. Most are in live-in employment arrangement that keeps abuse and exploitation hidden from the public. The right to file grievances and seek redress is also denied from domestic workers not only because they are excluded from national labour laws but also due to other barriers such as insecurity of livelihood and lack of access to legal services that should be provided both by the sending and receiving governments of migrant workers.

Organizations of foreign domestic workers have been consistently struggling against policies and practices that impinge on the rights of domestic workers. National movements of migrants in different countries have worked to painstakingly build the solid strength of migrants to resist anti-migrants and anti-women laws like the wage campaign in Hong Kong, the struggle against the anti-migrant provisions of the Live-in Caregiver Program in Canada, the campaign against abuses in the Middle East, resistance against the exploitation of the au pair system in Europe, and many other issues.

IMA condemns NATO naval forces in Mediterranean for ignoring Libyan refugee distress call

For leaving 72 Libyan refugees to die at sea

The International Migrants Alliance (IMA), a global alliance of grassroots migrant organizations and their allied and support groups, condemn in the strongest terms the criminal abandonment by the NATO naval forces and other Western coast guards of 72 Libyan refugees adrift on a boat in the Mediterranean Sea.

According to a Council of Europe inquiry, around 5pm (GMT) of March 27 2011, a distress call was sent via satellite phone alerting coast guards about 72 Libyan refugees who left Tripoli early morning of the same day and were at that time drifting at the Mediterranean. While a helicopter was reportedly sent to drop food supplies to the refugees, not one ship or any other rescue mission was reportedly made. On April 2, on its seventh day in sea, people have started to die, and on April 10, the boat with only 11 people left eventually landed in Zitlan, Libya. Two out of the 11 died shortly after.

Although the area by which the boat was located is within the military zone controlled by NATO, and despite the fact that it had prior knowledge of the refugees’ condition, no rescue operation was carried out.

This 15-day Mediterranean ordeal of the 72 Libyan refugees could have been resolved if only the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces and Western coast guards units in the area were quick to respond, assist and rescue them. There were several occasions and opportunities in which assistance, attention and rescue could have been given yet apparently none were taken.

It is deplorable for such a strong institution like the NATO to abandon any possible support or assistance that can be easily extended to people in need like the 72 Libyan refugees. It is understandable that people will try to flee Libya, a country stricken with political and military conflict, and the likes of NATO and many governments in Europe should be aware of this reality and plan sufficient assistance measures.

This incident also begs the questions on the real objectives of NATO in intervening militarily in Libya and against Qaddafi. If the intent was really to “protect civilians” from human right violation by the Libyan armed forces, then why were the 72 drifting Libyan civilians needing rescue abandoned by NATO to their own terrible fate? And if the UN and NATO were so sincere about the civilian costs of war, then why were they not ready for the predictable influx of political refugees on their shores? What has happened speaks volumes on the hypocrisy of UN-backed “humanitarian missions,” which are often used as convenient smokescreens for US and NATO to make imperialist incursions in Third World countries.

Anyone in distress at sea, regardless of their race or status, should be given immediate attention. The IMA welcomes the resolution calling on European nations to take responsibility when states like Libya refuse or is unable to conduct actions like search and rescue.

According to a Europe-based human rights watchdog, 1,500 people died at sea trying to reach Europe in 2011.

For reference:
Eni Lestari, chairperson
(852) 9608 1475

2nd International Assembly of International Migrants' Alliance (IMA)

Manila, Philippines
July 3-4, 2011

I. Introduction

The IMA international founding assembly was held in Hong Kong in June 15 to 16, 2008 and attended by 167 delegates representing 118 organizations from 25 countries. Among these, 102 were present as founding members (regular and associate members) while 16 came as observers.

The assembly was highlighted with panel presentations and discussions on various issues and resistance of im/migrants, refugees and displaced people. Likewise, the assembly approved its Basis of Unity, Constitution and By-Laws and the General Program of Action (GPOA) for the next three years.

This year, the 2nd international assembly will be held and it will gather representatives of its member organizations in various countries worldwide in order to look back on the past three years and assess the levels of struggle and resistance as well as the levels of capacity and developments of the IMA in relation to various major issues confronting migrants. We shall look both into the victories of our struggles as well as look into the points where the IMA and its members can further improve. This is important in order to formulate a more objective plan of action of the international alliance for the coming years.

Thus, the 2nd assembly will focus more on strengthening the organizational capacity of the IMA (both as an alliance as well as its members) in order for it to be more effective in addressing various issues as well as strengthening unities within the IMA and raising the alliance in new levels of international solidarity and people’s resistance against imperialism.

Migrante BC (Canada) Salutes Courage of Denny’s Workers

As a community-based organization composed of Filipino caregivers, migrant workers, and immigrants, MIGRANTE-BC* (Canada) stands in steadfast solidarity with the more than 50 Filipino temporary foreign workers (TFWs) who recently launched the $10 million class action suit against Denny’s Restaurant.

In the suit, the workers allege that: Denny’s did not provide them the 40 hours of work each week as stipulated in their contract; did not pay them overtime; and was not providing their two-way airfare between Philippines and Canada. Further, the suit states that as per Canadian and Philippine regulations, Denny’s and its authorized agents ICEA and LUZERN violated these when it exacted from the workers up to $6,000 in the form of recruitment fees.

These breach of contract and unjust enrichment allegations committed by Denny’s against the TFWs are a clear violation of the rights and welfare of the temporary foreign workers hired by Denny’s.

We salute the courage of the TFWs to come forward and file this case. Given that many TFWs are threatened with deportation if they dare speak up, it is inspiring that the Denny’s TFWs have come forward to shed light on the exploited plight of TFWs in Canada.

There were approximately 280,000 TFWs in Canada last December 2009, with those from the Philippines comprising the largest number at around 51,000, according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Common issues for many TFWs include low wages, lack of job security, lack of benefits, vulnerability to contract violations, separation from families and sub-standard living conditions.

Given that the Aquino administration in the Philippines is bent on heightening further its export of workers to Canada and around the world, it is certain that the number of TFWs facing conditions similar to that of the Denny’s workers will increase.

As such, MIGRANTE-BC recognizes the importance of this class suit to all TFWs across Canada. This is a precedent setting case whose impact will surely reverberate around the country, in the Philippines and beyond.

MIGRANTE-BC commits its support and solidarity to the Denny’s workers and pledges to educate, organize and mobilize the broadest number of migrant workers and their families to continue always the fight for the rights and welfare of all temporary foreign workers.

Leo Alejandria

Migrante BC (Canada)

February 12, 2011
www.migrantebc.org
email: migrante_bc@ymail.com

*BC - initials of the province of British Columbia, Canada

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Visit website of Migrante Canada at: migrante.ca
Follow Migrante Canada on Facebook and Twitter
@migrantecanada

Threat of deportation: Canada’s Christmas gift to three Filipino workers

MIGRANTE Canada
December 26, 2010

THE THREE FATHERS’ FIGHT TO STAY CONTINUES

Winnipeg, Manitoba --While many families are busy preparing for Christmas, three migrant workers known as Three Amigos (or the Three Fathers) are busy preparing their documents for their immigration hearing and steeling themselves for the worse possible scenario, which could be  deportation orders. In the past weeks, the Canadian public has heard and read about the plight of Antonio Laroya, Arnisito Gaviola and Ermie Zotomayor.

The three migrant workers from the Philippines who came to Canada under the Temporary Foreign Workers Program were arrested for violation of work permit restrictions. The news of the decision to remove them from Canada saddens the three fathers, as well as the community and migrant advocates who have indefatigably worked to ask the Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney that they be allowed to stay in Canada.

Migrante Canada, a Canada-wide alliance of 16 migrant organizations from British Columbia to the Atlantic Region, expresses its support and sympathy to Antonio, Arnisito and Ermie and their respective families. We know that they want to stay here and be allowed to work so they can provide for their families back home. Their struggle to stay is similar to the struggle of numerous migrant workers who have no pathway to become permanent residents in

Under the present immigration system, there is no available recourse for these three men but to appeal to Immigration Minister Kenney and hope they be allowed to stay under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Their lawyer, Nobel Peace Price nominee David Matas, has told them to apply for "restoration of status" and "temporary residence" permits that would allow them to work in Canada.

Migrante Canada hopes that this option is seriously considered and given to the three migrant workers.

Migrante Canada extends its sincere gratitude to all the supporters and allies who worked tirelessly in advocating for the Three Fathers to stay in Canada. Our regional chapter, Migrante Manitoba, was able to reach thousands of listeners and media readers all across Canada in knowing and understanding the plight of the Three Fathers. The Three Fathers find support and comfort from the community that has rallied behind

Unfortunately, this support  has been lacking from the Philippine Embassy. There are many more like the Three Fathers who are in the same situation and we hope that the community efforts will develop into a more cohesive network that will work for the much-needed changes (e.g. not having the work permits employer-specific permits) in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Migrante Canada has not heard from the Philippine Embassy and consular officials on what assistance they can provide to our kababayan. We have witnessed time and again that for any assistance to be provided, the question most often asked by our officials is: “have these workers paid their OWWA fees?” instead of “how can we help?” Is it not enough that our kababayan are Filipino citizens and that the Philippine government, through the Embassy, is mandated to help

The Philippines is one of the top three sending countries for migrants to Canada; however, we see very little support, or none at all, for the Filipino migrant workers, especially those who are in need. The case of the Three Amigos is proof of this.

The struggle for the right to stay in Canada for the Three Fathers is far from over. We need to connect the struggle of the Three Fathers to the struggle to reform the TFWP and advocate for a pathway for permanent residency for all migrant workers – have this as an as an option offered to all migrant workers in the TFWP. We also need to connect the situation of migrant workers in Canada to the problems in the Philippines that have pushed thousands of migrant workers to find jobs for their families.

Migrante Canada will continue to advocate and appeal on behalf of the Three Fathers and all migrant workers.

Let us not allow more Ermies, Antonios and Arnisitos to be subjected to this kind of ordeal.

LET THE THREE FATHERS STAY!
JUSTICE TO ALL MIGRANT WORKERS!

Reference:

Christopher Sorio,
Secretary General, Migrante Canada
secgenmigrantecanada@gmail.com
migrante.ca

Read More:
http://www.philippinereporter.com/
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=474128107674&id=629822399
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/12/24/10/ofws-campaign-justice-canada

Celebrating International Migrants' Day 2010 across Canada

VANCOUVER:

December 18th is International Migrants Day!
And Migrante’s National Day of Action for the Three Fathers in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Please join us in voicing our concerns with and for migrant workers on International Migrants Day.

On 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly, recognizing the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day.  On 18 December 1990, the General Assembly adoptedthe International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Canada has not signed this International Convention.

Date:   December 18th, 2010, Saturday
Time: 12 o'clock noon
Location:  corner of Homer and Georgia Streets (outside of the Vancouver Public Library)

WINNIPEG:

'Three Amigos' to go on protest fast on International Migrants Day

Children of the three migrant workers to give testimonials on their situation during prayer vigil

On December 18, 2010, just one week before Christmas, Antonio Laroya, Arnisito Gaviola and Ermie Zotomayor will go on a protest fast to highlight how their arrest and their lack of employment has affected their children. Since their arrest on June 24th the three fathers have not been allowed to work and thus have been unable to support their families.

A prayer vigil will be held at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba at 4pm to 6pm on Saturday, December 18th-- which coincides with International Migrants Day.

During the forum, recorded testimonials from the family of the three fathers will be heard.

Migrante Canada has also planned events in Vancouver, Toronto, Barrie, Ottawa and Montreal in support of the "3 Amigos" and International Migrants Day.

For more information or for interview requests please contact:
Diwa Marcelino: 204-218-7100; diwa.marcelino@gmail.com

TORONTO:

Celebrating International Migrants' Day 2010

Come and join us as we reflect on our collective struggles, shape our destiny and…
...CELEBRATE our victories as migrant workers and the International Migrant Workers Movement in protecting and advancing our rights
...AFFIRM the principle of self-empowerment of migrant workers, by migrant workers, for migrant workers
...STRENGTHEN the solidarity among all workers: unionized workers, immigrant/migrant workers, workers without jobs

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES:

Dance, Theatre, Skits, Music, Songs, Painting, Photo Exhibits!!

CONVERSATION CIRCLES ON:

* our collective experience as racialized workers/migrant workers
* causes of global migration with Canada’s immigration policy
* our unity as migrant workers from various sectors/communities
* solidarity between the migrant workers movement and labour unions

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137021986351430

For more information see : migrante.ca