In a landmark decision, the Nova Scotia Labour Board has ordered Lower Wedgeport-based Ocean Pride Fisheries Ltd. to compensate a group of eight migrant workers from Mexico with more than $23,000. This compensation is for various grievances including wage deductions, missing hours, and inadequate pay upon termination notice.
The case, which began with complaints filed in September 2021, underscores significant issues faced by migrant workers in Canada. The workers, employed in multiple seasons by Ocean Pride Fisheries, alleged they were terminated without proper notice after attempting to address unsatisfactory working conditions. The Labour Board’s chair, Jasmine Walsh, highlighted the distressing circumstances faced by the workers, emphasizing the need for stringent regulation of employment standards to protect vulnerable foreign workers.
According to the decision, Ocean Pride Fisheries contended that the workers voluntarily resigned, a claim dismissed by the Labour Board which found no evidence supporting the company’s assertion. Concerns were also raised regarding the legality of wage deductions, including immigration fees and housing costs, and whether Ocean Pride Fisheries adhered to the terms outlined in the Labour Standards Code for recruiting foreign workers.
Stacey Gomez, executive director of the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia, hailed the decision as a crucial victory for migrant workers across the province. She emphasized the importance of such rulings in empowering migrant workers to address labor grievances despite the risks they face, including potential deportation and employment blacklisting.
In response, Jules LeBlanc, President of Ocean Pride Fisheries, defended the company’s practices, stating that the affected employees had not raised concerns about their employment conditions directly with management. However, the company acknowledged its responsibility for covering travel expenses and expressed caution for Nova Scotia businesses regarding the complexities and risks of hiring temporary foreign workers.
Moving forward, Gomez and her organization are advocating for enhanced protections and support mechanisms for migrant workers in Nova Scotia, including clearer avenues for legal recourse and improved working conditions across industries.