Resolution No. 902 – Fort McMurray International Airport Out-sourcing Jobs to Temporary Foreign Workers
The Alberta Federation of Labour will support CUPE in opposing the outsourcing of unionized custodial and security jobs at the Fort McMurray International Airport Authority to contractors who use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to make low-ball bids based on below-poverty-line wages.
The Alberta Federation of Labour will work with affiliate and non-affiliate unions to devise and implement a protest strategy aimed at convincing the Fort McMurray International Airport authority to reverse its decision on contracting out.
Because the unemployment rate in the Fort McMurray area has almost doubled in the past six months and the use of Temporary Foreign workers in most positions can no longer be justified.
Because the company hiring the guest workers from the TFWP is offering $14.50/hour, which is far below the cost of living in Fort McMurray.
Because low energy prices will result in many Canadians and landed immigrants losing jobs in the energy sector and related industries, especially in Fort McMurray.
Because there are questions as to whether Temporary Foreign Workers can obtain the necessary security clearances.
Because the TFWP should not be used to displace working Canadians or permanent residents.
Because the TFWP exploits workers by tying them to employers and denying them full labour-market mobility.
Because Canada needs real immigration, not an exploitive guest worker program.
Adopted unanimously by delegates to the AFL Convention, April 18, 2015
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