Temporary foreign agriculture workers in B.C. protest for better rights

Dozens of temporary foreign workers in B.C.’s agriculture industry gathered on Sunday for a bike ride protest, hoping to get the attention of the provincial and federal governments for better rights.

Among their calls, workers want a pay bump to $24 an hour, mandatory pay for overtime and statutory holidays, a pathway to legalize undocumented workers, and health-care coverage to kick in as soon as they start to work.

They are also calling for the federal and provincial governments to issue “Open Work Permits,” which would allow them to work for multiple employers in different locations throughout Canada. They say not being tied to a single employer closes the door to exploitation and abusive treatment.

Daniel Nigenda holds a PhD in engineering from Mexico, but here in B.C., he is a temporary foreign worker while awaiting his permanent residency.

“With only one employer, it’s more like you’re a slave for only one person and you’re not allowed to find another opportunity to work,” he explained.

“But with an open work permit you have more opportunity to work in different fields,” he added.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2023 there were just over 70,000 temporary foreign workers across the country in the agricultural sector, with just over 10,000 in B.C. alone. The protest organizers say the majority in B.C. are earning minimum wage.

This couple from Chile says $17.40 an hour isn’t feasible when trying to raise a family.

“Everything is very expensive and some families can’t afford a whole month, that is the situation for immigrant workers like us,” they told CityNews.

CityNews reached out to Immigration Refugee and Canadian Citizenship for comment.