Local Politics General Concerns rising as United Steel Workers demand foreign worker review
Concerns rising as United Steel Workers demand foreign worker review
"There are skilled workers here in BC, in Canada, that are able to do these jobs, there is no need to bring these foreign workers into the country," stated NDP Candidate Charlie Wyse at a demonstration organized by the local United Steel Workers (USW) last Friday at Herb Gardner Park in Williams Lake.
The intention of the demonstration, attended by approximately 25 people, was to raise awareness of foreign temporary workers hired to work in BC mines. The USW feels the public should be apprised of the federal government's plan to review its temporary foreign worker program after the union raised concerns about Chinese-owned mining companies' plans to import Chinese workers to mine coal in BC.
On November 21, the USW filed a complaint against HD Mining with BC's Minister of Mining Rich Coleman and Chief Inspector of Mines Al Hoffman, citing numerous violations of the BC Mines Act and Mines Code, and is asking that the Ministry order a suspension of work at the company's Murray River coal mine in northern British Columbia.
The complaint involves the company's use of temporary foreign workers from China and its plans to teach those workers 100 words of English prior to commencing work.
“We're talking in the neighborhood of up to 2,000 foreign workers at this point in time,” said Charlie Wyse. “The Steelworkers have said there are skilled people right now ready and employable by the mine."
The union points to sections of the Health Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia which requires that in order to understand and comply with the occupational health and safety rules and standards, all workers in mines must have appropriate knowledge of the English language. The government has confirmed it will review the program after it looked into the USW's allegations that Chinese-owned firms posted ads in Canada requiring mine workers to speak Mandarin and agree to work for far-below prevailing domestic pay rates.
The same firms were alleged to have hired Chinese labour recruiters to find workers. Reports indicated recruiters offered even lower wages and demanded $12,500 from each worker to get on the plane to BC, and then another $400 a week for as long as they stay in Canada. Language lessons and a ‘certificate’ from a Chinese employer also would cost extra.
A proper review of the program should involve communities, unions, employers and immigrant support groups, say members of the United Steel Workers.
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