While Ontario is under government stay-at-home orders, migrant workers returning after the 2020 season are aware that two of their colleagues died during the COVID-19 outbreak. This impacted several agriculture operations last year in Windsor Essex County.
During peak growing season, approximately 8,000 to 10,000 seasonal workers are employed to work in the field and greenhouses.
Many workers are fearful they are risking their health to maintain their income. However, they also know that they have no choice. Not only is the money they earn important to support their families, their local economies also benefit.
After learning migrant workers needed food last year, Elizabeth Ha, Chair of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Provincial Human Rights Committee (PHRC) and Vice-Chair of People of Asian Descent on OPSEU/SEFPO’s Coalition of Racialized Workers (CoRW), put out a call for help and received generous donations.
She also received the support of other local Unions and labour groups and together have committed to standing in solidarity with migrant workers. They continue to call for fairer wages and safer working conditions especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To read the complete article from the Windsor Star:
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