Filipino temporary workers in Victoria, BC get briefed on their rights

The TFW Assembly briefed Filipino temporary workers in Victoria and nearby areas on employment rights, immigration updates, consular and labor services, OWWA welfare programs and SSS benefits. (PCG Vancouver)

Filipino temporary workers in Victoria, B.C., Canada held the First TFW Assembly Feb. 19, hosted by the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver, its Migrant Workers Office (Labor Section and OWWA) and the Bayanihan Community Centre.

The TFW Assembly briefed Filipino temporary workers in Victoria and nearby areas on employment rights, immigration updates, consular and labor services, OWWA welfare programs and SSS benefits.

Mable Elmore, Member of the Legislative Assembly, gave an overview of her advocacy to protect the rights of temporary migrant workers.

Mable Elmore, Member of the Legislative Assembly, gave an overview of her advocacy to protect the rights of temporary migrant workers. Labor Attaché Jainal Rasul, Jr., head of the Migrant Workers Office in Vancouver stressed the need for TFWs to be aware of their rights at the workplaces.

Labor Attaché Jainal Rasul, Jr., head of the Migrant Workers Office in Vancouver stressed the need for TFWs to be aware of their rights at the workplaces, to empower and protect themselves against employers’ abuses, unfair labor practices, discrimination and other fraudulent practices.

The other resource speakers were:  Jonathan Braun (Immigration), Dom Bautista (Legal referral), Consul Ericka Anna Abad (Consular Services) , Asst. Labor Attaché Oliva Macawili (MWO  Services), Welfare Office Lilia de Guzman and Imelda Cabansag (OWWA programs and Services),  Jonnah Cruzada (SSS), Laila Pires and Annette Beech (Bayanihan Community Centre). MWO Administrative Staffs Rica Maria Bernardez and Neil Nicolas served as moderators and host, respectively.

Deputy Consul General Arlene Magno thanked the various speakers as well as the Bayanihan Community Center for its long time support and cooperation in service of the Filipino migrants.