FILIPINO WORKERS EXPLOITED UNDER B.C. LIBERALS, SAYS NDP

VANCOUVER - Since the B.C. Liberals came into government in 2001, foreign workers have become highly susceptible to exploitation due to the erosion of worker rights, says New Democrat labour critic Raj Chouhan.

"The B.C. government is allowing the recruitment of foreign workers from the Philippines, while refusing to implement an appropriate system of protection for employees' rights," said Chouhan.

According to the Welcome B.C. website, British Columbia had 44,000 temporary foreign workers in 2009. This week; a group of Filipino worker's filed a class action lawsuit, claiming exploitation and refusal of reimbursement from their employer.

"These workers are placed in highly vulnerable positions," said Chouhan. "They take on foreign worker contracts with the hopes of becoming permanent residents in Canada. Many are scared to tackle issues of exploitation because of the fear of economic uncertainty and jeopardizing their contract."

Many foreign workers are unfamiliar with the current self-help system that exists for employment standards complaints. Disputes on issues such as overtime pay, wages, and reimbursement of travel must be reconciled directly with employers, which can be intimidating for foreign employees.

Chouhan said that the B.C. Liberal leadership hopefuls need to commit to taking immediate action in protecting foreign workers.

"The B.C. Liberals are to blame for the vulnerability of migrant workers. They gutted the Employment Standards Act in 2001 after forming government. The current method of labour regulation does not protect foreign workers. We need to ensure that these workers have the same protections as British Columbians," said Chouhan.

With the changes made by the B.C. Liberals to the Act, it has made it harder for infractions by employers to be detected, enforced and corrected.

The B.C. New Democrats are committed to protecting B.C.'s lowest paid and foreign workers. They have committed to strengthening protection for foreign workers and restoring the Employment Standards Act in order to ensure that vulnerable workers are not taken advantage of.