The United Food and Commercial Workers is pleased the Ford government is implementing stiffer fines for employers who abuse migrant workers but says it's not enough.
Last week, the Ford government introduced the Working for Workers Act which would strengthen protections for the thousands of migrant workers by increasing fines for employers convicted of withholding a foreign national's passport or work permit.
Employers could be fined between $100,000 to $200,000 for each worker whose rights are violated. Convicted employers could also face 12 months in jail, and fines for corporations could be $1-million.
"Anyone who preys on vulnerable members in our community has no place in our society," said Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Monte McNaughton. "If you think you're going to deny someone's basic human rights by withholding their passport, we're going to hit your pocketbook, and you will be behind bars for a long time."
The legislation earned praise from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
"Actions like withholding passports are already illegal under federal legislation, but we support the provincial government's decision to strengthen protections. Seasonal and temporary foreign workers are an essential part of local fruit and vegetable production in Ontario, and we do not support employers who mistreat or otherwise take advantage of people in their employ."
However, the UFCW said if the Ford government is serious about abuse, it would immediately give migrant workers equal access to the Ontario Labour Relations Act.
"There are a number of labour trafficking investigations currently taking place in Ontario," said a statement from the union. "Getting labour trafficking cases to trial can take several years. During this time, survivors are left to fend for themselves with almost no provincial assistance. Without the support of advocates, these cases would be abandoned."
The UFCW also alleged many survivors are re-victimized by a system that does not recognize their suffering. It called for more government support for victims.
"The Ford government can also support migrant agricultural workers by making the Provincial Nominee Program more accessible and facilitating efforts by migrant agricultural workers to obtain permanent residence," the statement continued. "This measure would give workers the stability they need to further empower themselves and to collectively confront abusive employers."
On Tuesday, the Ontario government announced it would invest $25-million over three years to speed up the process for skilled immigrants. The province and the federal government plan to double the number of those workers to 18,000 by 2025. The funding will enhance security to ensure the system can handle the increased demand. However, Premier Doug Ford did not say if the investment would include agricultural workers.