Justice for Undocumented Workers

Deportations of undocumented workers must stop immediately and immigration laws and policies must be changed to allow these workers and their families to stay in Canada as landed immigrants.

During debate on the need for justice for undocumented workers, several speakers at CAW Council outlined emotional stories about their own lives and their own immigration to Canada. They told of gut wrenching decisions that must be made to leave homelands and come to Canada, tough decisions that often mean families are split apart.

CAW national representative Steve Watson stressed the important contribution to the economy that undocumented workers have made to Canada, working in the construction industry and other industries.

Delegates approved a resolution that highlights how undocumented workers have built homes and lives with their families in Canada, including many who have Canadian born children, who would be unfairly burdened by the deportation of their parents. These workers face impossible obstacles obtaining status that include delays of several years or more. The CAW has launched a petition to the House of Commons on the issue.

http://www.caw.ca/news/contactnewsletter/showissue.asp?name=issue&IssueID=572

NOII-Toronto: CAW PORT ELGIN REPORTBACK

On Wednesday, May 17th, five members from No One Is Illegal-Toronto were invited to conduct a workshop for the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) at their retreat centre located in Port Elgin, Ontario.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed warmly by enthusiastic CAW members and had the opportunity to meet with diverse workers from across the country.

The next day we provided a No One Is Illegal workshop, where workers had the opportunity to learn from activists and affected community members from No One Is Illegal-Toronto about campaigns in support and defense of non-status communities.

Inspired to take action, CAW workers are now mobilizing their locals to participate in the May 27th Status for All March. Windsor locals are organising buses to Toronto and other locals from Scarborough, Oakville and Mississauga are also sending caravans and flying squads to participate in this important National Day of Action.

CAW National is one of the main endorsers of the May 27th March and have been directed by their President Buzz Hargrove to build towards this historic mobilization. CAW has taken a lead in supporting the undocumented by issuing a strong resolution demanding regularization for all non-status workers.

No One Is Illegal is excited and energized about our new working relationship with the CAW. We look forward to building on these relationships through on-going workshops and campaings with individual locals.