Photo supplied by Justice for Migrant Workers and Injured Workers Action for Justice
Justice for Migrant Workers and Injured Workers Action for Justice held a rally in Toronto last weekend, calling for stronger workplace protections for migrant agricultural workers following a series of recent deaths.
The demonstration took place outside Ontario’s Ministry of Labour on University Avenue, where supporters gathered under the message, “No More Deaths.” Organizers said at least eight migrant farm workers had died in recent weeks. While the causes of those deaths had not been publicly released, they argued the fatalities reflected ongoing unsafe working conditions.
The groups said migrant workers continued to face dangerous conditions while working through extreme heat, poor air quality from wildfires, severe storms and other climate-related hazards. They called on the province to introduce stronger health and safety protections and hold employers accountable when workers were harmed.
Representatives from several labour unions joined the rally, along with current and former migrant workers and family members of workers who had died. The event concluded with organizers delivering two open letters to Ministry of Labour officials demanding immediate action.
Written by Jeremy Hall
