British Columbia Federation of Labour

Vancouver - The case of 80 unpaid foreign workers employed on the construction of the Golden Ears Bridge is the latest example of deep problems with Canada's Temporary Foreign Workers Program.

Eighty workers from the former Yugoslavia walked off the job on Wednesday after not being paid for the last two weeks. They were employed by Baulex Projects Ltd., a subcontractor on the consortium building the bridge between Langley and Maple Ridge.

"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program leaves vulnerable workers exposed to unscrupulous labour brokers before they get to Canada, and then at the mercy of sometimes unscrupulous employers once they get here," said Jim Sinclair, President of the B.C. Federation of Labour. "This Program is great for employers, bad for workers and amounts to the virtual privatization of our immigration system."

Under the Program, work permits are issued that allow foreign workers to work for a specific employer. If that employer goes out of business or fires or lays off workers, the workers must return to their home country. They are not allowed to seek other employment for the remainder of their work permit.

"Even in Alberta, the provincial government has created a special office to look out for the interests of temporary foreign workers, enforce employment standards and investigate complaints," Sinclair added. "A similar program in B.C. is long overdue."

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For more information: Evan Stewart, Director of Communications, (604) 430-1421.