The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has taken note of recent news items in response to United Nations Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata’s report, which criticizes aspects of the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP).
Though there is no specific reference to the seasonal agricultural workers programme we are mindful of the concerns raised. Our fact-finding mission unearthed instances of unfavourable circumstances in living and working conditions. In these instances, workers are always encouraged to use the established channels to report any forms of abuse or untenable conditions.
We have a cadre of liaison officers whose role is to protect the rights and interests of our farm workers and the integrity of the programme. Both the Ministry’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP) and the Low-Skill Stream are a part of this larger programme. Under the TFWP, employers can hire temporary foreign workers for a maximum of twenty-four (24) months unlike the SAWP where the maximum period is eight (8) months.
Since the start of 2023, the Ministry has dispatched Eight Thousand Five Hundred and Nineteen (8,519) workers under the SAWP and Five Hundred and Seventy-Eight (578) workers under the Low-Skill Stream.
Preparing Workers for Travel
In preparing successful candidates for travel, farmworkers under the Low Skill Stream and SAWP programme are given intensive orientation on their terms of employment.
All workers are required to participate in this orientation programme prior to their departure. They are provided with information and guidance with respect to the following: the new working environments, housing, rights and responsibilities as migrant workers, health care, health and safety in the workplace, how to contact the liaison services and channels to lodge complaints. The Canadian authorities have also established tip-lines where workers can make contact anonymously and report concerns or abusive employers.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security and by extension the people of Jamaica hold in great esteem the relationship between Jamaica and Canada. The Overseas Employment Programme has been a valued contributor to both economies over the years. It has provided financing for many Jamaican families to elevate their standard of living. This programme has provided the needed funds to send children to school and assist families with various expenses oftentimes benefitting generations within the same family unit.
Update on workers who were prematurely repatriated
Upon the conclusion of the ministry’s investigations regarding the recent subset of farm workers who were prematurely repatriated in early August, the Ministry has decided to place the workers on other farms when the new season of operations begin in January 2024. The Ministry can confirm that no complaints were filed against these workers and there were no reports of a breach of contract against them.
The Ministry reiterates its commitment to resolving any issues that threatens the longevity of the programme and remains steadfast in protecting the rights of workers and maintaining the integrity of the programme while expanding same.
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