In December of 2012, CBC News highlighted the story of Erik Flores, a 21-year-old that left Mexico to pursue greater work opportunities in Canada. Flores was hired as a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) through a recruitment agency by the ubiquitous Canadian quick-service restaurant, Tim Hortons. Upon arrival, Flores discovered his accommodations were sub-standard, as he was expected to share a small basement suite with five other TFWs. There was a discrepancy in projected salary, holiday pay and overtime hours expected between Flores and the franchisee.
The article draws attention to the growing need for workers in the fast food and other service industries and the difficulty in securing Canadian workers. The number of TFWs in Canada has grown from 101,098 in 2002 to 300,211 in 2011. Employers pay a fee to a recruitment agency to attract foreign workers, who then are offered work contracts, airfare, initial accommodation, transportation and the hope of greater earning opportunity in Canada.
Ethical Analysis:
Flores’ story emphasizes that migrant workers can assume a vulnerable position when entering into a work contract. The lack of information or awareness of the work practices of the country they are travelling to or the possibility that conditions may change upon arrival places TFWs in a precarious position.
This lack of knowledge of Canadian work practices or industry norms and isolation from known support systems may lead to violations in employer power. These may include the enforcement of unfavourable working conditions, unpaid overtime or sub-standard housing.
The growing need for service-level positions coupled with the above practices raises alarm for the notion of a “disposable workforce” to be reinforced. With less access to information, questions regarding the protection of these workers could include:
What are the monitoring regulations for TFWs as they continue to work in Canada?
What is the nature of the agreement recruiters are offering to attract workers?
The story leads me to underline the need for consistent liberty and equal opportunity in appropriate working/living conditions extended to all workers. Employers should show consistent regard for the wellbeing and fairness extended to their workers.