Letters to the Editor

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

The vulnerable among us Letter of the day

Posted: 05/25/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Carol Sanders' May 18 article, Vegetable pickers might not have to go home, highlights the precarious position of seasonal migrant farm workers in Manitoba, particularly those in the flood zone.

Many Manitobans are unaware that 400-500 workers come from Mexico to Manitoba each growing season to perform demanding physical labour that provides us with vegetables for our tables. Some of these workers have been returning to Manitoba for more than 20 years. Despite their contribution to society, they do not have the option of becoming permanent residents or citizens.

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They are also denied provincial health-care coverage. Unlike Saskatchewan and Ontario, the Manitoba government refuses to provide these workers access to health-care coverage. Instead, the workers must rely on the whims of a private insurance provider for their health needs.

The contracts that these workers signed when they came to Canada guarantee them 40 hours of work per week. However, the current flooding has left migrant farm workers uncertain about their income. The Manitoba government has assured farm operators of compensation, giving them hope that they may be able to continue their business tomorrow.

We hope that the compensation packages will not overlook the most vulnerable victims of the 2011 flood and will ensure that migrant farm workers receive compensation for any wages lost so they can continue to provide for their young families at home.

JENNIFER deGROOT

Migrant Workers Solidarity Network

Winnipeg

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 25, 2011 A13

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