Supporting Undocumented Workers In Canada

Many undocumented workers work in high risk trades such such as:

• Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, & Applicators
• Grounds Maintenance Workers
• Construction workers.

These undocumented workers are exposed to various health risks including:

• Occupational infections
• Long exposure to fumes and other chemicals
• Falls from high elevation
• Burns, injuries, high stress levels, etc.

Consequently, if these undocumented workers become injured, they are not provided with the health care rights that Canadian citizens have access to because they do not have a health card, or insurance/benefits from their employer. To add to all this, if they are injured they face getting caught and risk deportation back to the country they came from.

Fact! Undocumented workers work an excessive number of hours, do not get paid overtime, and are denied sick leave. To add to that, a good chunk of their pay cheques go towards things like: employment insurance, the Canadian Pension Plan, and income tax – benefits that they will never be able to use!

We would like to understand undocumented workers, as well as create a political action plan to help these people gain access to equal health rights, rights that all human beings should be entitled to.

There is a way to bring action to this issue, but it starts with the public, one way you can help is by signing this petition.