Jamaica’s labour minister denounces claims of its’ migrant workers alleging mistreatment and poor living conditions

Jamaica’s labour minister, Karl Samuda, is denouncing claims of its migrant workers alleging mistreatment and poor living conditions on farms across the region. Earlier this week, an advocacy group penned an open letter to them demanding change.

During a conference call, Samuda responded by saying he toured nine farms in seven locations within four days earlier this month and lauded the working conditions, living quarters, and the farming employers during his visits.

In an open letter this month released by an advocacy group, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change claims ‘systematic slavery’ within Canada’s seasonal agricultural workers’ program and alleged two Niagara farms failed to address overcrowded housing and pest infestations along with intimidating behaviour from employers.

Samuda says the Jamaican workforce provided to Canada’s farming industry is vital to its’ country, “we’ll do everything in our power to make ensure this relationship not only continues but strengthens.”

CHCH News reached out to both farms named in the letter. One of the farms responded and called the allegations “completely false.”

Executive director with Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, Sayed Hussan, says the group are two committees of workers and fear repercussions if they speak out publically. “It’s not a surprise to us, that the Jamaican government is choosing to take the side who exploited their workers,” Hussan said.

Hussan adds by the response from Jamaican officials, the group wants to turn to Canadian authorities.

“It is now the government of Canada’s responsibility to allow workers a seat at the table, by giving them permanent residence status, so they can represent and advocate for themselves,” Hussan said.

Ontario’s labour ministry says it’s working with the federal government while they continue to investigate the matter. The province says they look into working conditions while Ottawa oversees living arrangements.

Minister Samuda says they will increase liaison staff in Canada to support workers.