The Jamaican Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Jamaicans involved in Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP), in light of an Amnesty International report highlighting human rights abuses in Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers Programme (TFWP), which includes SAWP.
The research by Amnesty International was conducted between February 2023 and June 2024, with 44 migrant workers from 14 countries. It exposed multiple instances of exploitation, hazardous working conditions, and other human rights violations which it noted were widespread in the TFWP in which thousands of Jamaicans participate yearly.
However, in a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security disclosed several steps it has taken to address issues raised about the working conditions of Jamaican farmers participating in the SAWP.
It noted that, in 2022, a fact-finding team led by a former trade union head independently assessed conditions on 65 farms across Canada, speaking to 473 Jamaican workers.
“The findings showed that the majority of workers were satisfied with their working and living conditions, though isolated challenges were identified in certain regions,” the statement noted.
The ministry stated that it has implemented a number of measures to strengthen protections for Jamaican citizens participating in the programme. These include the introduction of a dedicated WhatsApp hotline for real-time complaints, providing workers with direct contact details for their liaison officers during orientation and at their accommodations.
Direct worker support
In addition, it said 11 social engagement events were held, involving more than 1,500 workers, to improve communication between workers and liaison officers. New liaison officers have been employed and placed in key regions, including Atlantic Canada, Simcoe, and Niagara, to improve direct worker support.
It stated further that 98 per cent of farms were visited at least three times in 2024, with two unannounced inspections per farm.
“While the Government of Jamaica takes all allegations of mistreatment seriously, it is important to contextualise these findings within the broader experience of the over 10,000 Jamaican and other Caribbean workers who participate annually in the programme,” the ministry said.
“The SAWP has been in place for over five decades as part of a bilateral labour agreement between Jamaica and Canada. This programme has been instrumental in providing thousands of Jamaicans with employment opportunities, allowing them to support their families and contribute to Jamaica’s economy,” it added.
The ministry said the Government has also been advocating to strengthen labour protection, health and safety stands, and fair treatment for workers. As of 2024, the ministry said Jamaican SAWP workers injured on the job receive compensation aligned with Canadian workers due to government advocacy efforts.
Additionally, the ministry emphasised that workers are no longer repatriated against medical advice, ensuring they receive the necessary treatment before returning home.
“The Government of Jamaica recognises the hard work and dedication of our farmworkers and remains committed to protecting their welfare. While the vast majority of Jamaican workers have positive experiences under the SAWP, we urge anyone facing challenges to report them through the available channels. The ministry will continue to monitor conditions closely and intervene where necessary to uphold worker protections,” it said.
Gleaner
