In the last decade, there has been a shift towards bringing in an increased number of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) across Canada. Meanwhile, programs and policies that can protect and promote their rights and welfare are lacking. And in many cases, TFWs may be isolated from progressive organizations that can assist them.
To address this, we are organizing a two-day conference this December to create a space where advocates from different communities can come together with TFWs to formulate actions to advance their rights and welfare. The conference, “Building and Strengthening Workers’ Solidarity”, will be held December 3rd to 4th at the Unifor Hall, 326 12th Street, New Westminster.
Day One will feature keynote speaker Professor Ethel Tungohan from York University, a couple of workshops on various urgent issues, and a panel of courageous TFWs who will share their “Stories of Struggle and Hope”.
Day Two will focus on the youth and the role they play in forwarding a progressive movement that fights for the rights of all workers. It will also include an “inter-generational” dialogue that will allow for a sharing of experiences with our elders in the labour and social justice movements.
The conference fee is $75 for both days (less if attending one day only) and this includes a conference kit and all meals and refreshments. Partnership and advertising opportunities are also available. Funds raised will go towards our conference costs.
The Highlights of the two-day conference will include:
Day 1: Sat Dec 3rd (9am to 4pm)
Keynote Speaker York University Assistant Professor Ethel Tungohan
- Panel on the Commodification of Workers and Labour Export
- Workshops on issues including Sanctuary Schools; Sanctuary Health; Employment Standards; Project Guardian (deportation of caregivers) and Global Organizing for TFW rights
- Panel on TFW “Stories of Struggle & Hope”
- Solidarity Night with cultural presentations from 7pm to 9pm. Free. Refreshments served.
DAY 2: Sun Dec 4th (10am to 4pm)
- Panel on Grassroots Organizing
- Lunch Panel on the Role of the Labour Movement and the Fight for All Workers Rights
- Inter-generational Activist Dialogue
The other speakers from the labour movement, grassroots community, migrants groups and advocates include David Fairey (Employment Standards Coalition), Harsha Walia (No One Is Illegal), Jennifer Whiteside (Hospital Employees Union), Joey Hartman ( VDLC), Chandu Claver (Bayan Canada), Mark Olsen (LiUNA Labourers International Union), Natalie Drolet (West Coast Domestic Workers Association), Lawyer Rene John Nicolas, Kari Michaels (BCGEU), Sam Ponting (NextUp), Migrant Youth Marikit Saturay (Netherlands), Einstein Recedes (Philippines) and Mildred German (Migrante Youth BC) and migrant workers Hessed Torres, Cholo Sales, Avelina Vasquez.
For more information on the conference, email migrante.event@gmail.com or call Jane at 604-961-7794.
See you at the conference!
Who are Prakash Basyal, Arthur Cajes, Edlyn Tesorero and Bishnu Khadka?
the Philippines
and constitutional law; litigator for unions, community organizations and coalitions for constitutional and human rights cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. Pushing back at the normalization of worker precariousness globally and domestically, Faraday’s keynote will issue a call to action and solidarity to map a vision for reform that builds security for all migrant workers. 
y ng kapitbahay na tinuluyan ko, ang laging laman ng isip ko noon:Makikita ko pa kaya ang mga anak at apo ko? Pakisabi kay Dennis at sa lahat ng mga kaibigan niyo, maraming salamat sa pag-alala at paghahanap sa amin.” (While I was at my neighbour’s house where I evacuated, there was a constant thought in my mind: Will I ever see my children and grandchildren again? Please tell Dennis and all your friends, thank you so much for thinking about us and searching for us.) — Message from my mother, Ernesta “Nanay Guy” Dural
