PINAY: Filipino Women's Organization in Quebec / Organisation des femmes Philippines du Québec

Kenney holds immigration levels steady, increases white-collar workers

2011-12-18T22:44:00.001-05:00

Canada needs more caregivers, please

2011-12-18T22:41:00.000-05:00

Globe and Mail
Editorial
Sunday, Nov. 06, 2011

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s plan to accept 10,000 more skilled workers into Canada next year is a sound one, and so is the government’s overall target of 255,000 newcomers. Some other changes make less sense, and may be motivated by politics, more thaneconomics.

Mr. Kenney acknowledged that the seven-year backlog to sponsor grandparents and parents has become unmanageable, and announced a two-year moratorium on applications. In the meantime, however, he will increase the quota by 10,000 over two years, to 25,000, andintroduce a two-year multiple-entry visitor’s visa for these family members.

To compensate, there will be a lower quota in other categories, including live-in caregivers. The target is 8,000-9,300, compared to 10,500-12,500 in the past two years.

Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Why would a country with a declining fertility rate and the expected mass retirements of baby boomers want to recruit yet more older people? “The government has it backwards,” says Sergio Karas, an immigration lawyer.

While family reunification is a goal for Canada’s immigration program, family-class newcomers already make up two-thirds of all those accepted. Parents and grandparents are unlikely to create economic growth and will have more health needs.

Live-in caregivers are a category that should be expanded. They perform a key role in the labour market: caring for children in a country with no national daycare policy, and looking after the elderly. There is already a shortage of quality care for the aged,a problem that will grow in years to come with the country’s demographic shift.

Canada’s live-in caregiver program is unique in the world, and allows caregivers to apply for permanent residency after living with a family for two years, caring for either children or the aged. It has real weaknesses, such as long application-processing times,abusive employers and nannies being recruited for “fake” jobs, but the program itself remains sound.

The government would be wise to put resources into having it run more smoothly, and make sure that well-qualified caregivers are recruited to bona fide jobs and that their permanent residency applications are processed in a timely fashion. As the populationages, Canada will need more of them.

News Release – Minister Kenney announces important change for live-in caregivers

2011-12-18T22:34:00.002-05:00

Ottawa, December 15, 2011 -- Live-in caregivers will be able to get open work permits about 18 months sooner, thanks to a processing change announced today by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“Too many live-in caregivers have completed their work obligations but must continue living in the home of their employer, waiting for their application for permanent residence to be reviewed,” said the Minister. “This is understandably frustrating. That’s why we have started issuing open work permits to live-in caregivers as soon as they have completed their obligations and submitted an application for permanent residence.”

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Comment from Evelyn Calugay of PINAY:

I would like to make this clear that this is no Christmas gift from CIC. The majority of these 10,000 applications have been on several tables of CIC for the last 19 months. To the caregivers point of view it was negligence on the part of CIC. Up to the year 2009, it took CIC between 3-6 months to issue an open work permit to caregivers who submitted their application for permanent resident together with an application for open work permit. What had happen from then on?

After the new changes in the LCP regulation in 2010, one significant change that the Minister of immigration has been very proud announcing to the public, is the extension of another year for caregivers to complete the 24 months requirement working as live-in. It appeared that the objective of increasing the time frame for caregivers to complete this 24 months is in reality to make them work as a live-in for four years. Several of them completed 24 in 24 months, but then it took CIC more than a year to issue an open permit.

Two weeks ago, caregivers gathered up their courage to circulate an online petition to demand CIC to expedite the processing of their application for permanent resident, there is a big possibility that this must have triggered the 10,000 issuance of an open work permit.

They had enough of living under an increasing level of anxiety everyday which was affecting their work environment. They were being reassured that they have an implied legal status to stay from the time they submitted their application for permanent resident, but it did not reassure them that it will guarantee them a legal status for that long 19 months. They were afraid that holding no legal paper that long might be use against them in denying their application for permanent status. Besides all that time, they did not qualify for a renewal of a health card.

The new announcement of Minister J. Kenny today is another thing to watch closely in the near future.

The Filipino Women's Organization in Quebec
Evelyn Calugay, December 15, 2011

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The Live-in Caregiver Program ( LCP ) allows Canadian families to hire workers from abroad to provide care to a child, an elderly person or an adult with disabilities when there is a demonstrated shortage of Canadians and permanent residents to fill available positions. Caregivers are obliged to work for two years, or 3,900 hours, and then become eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Until now, live-in caregivers waited for an initial approval on their application for permanent residence before being eligible for an open work permit. An open work permit allows the caregiver to move out of their employer’s home and seek jobs in other fields, if that is their wish.

As of December 11, 2011, all live-in caregivers who had met their obligations and submitted an application for permanent residence have had their files reviewed. Those who submitted an open work permit application with no missing information are being issued open work permits.

Another horror story!

2011-12-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

Whether we like it or not, human trafficking exists in Canada.
In this story, two women, an Ethiopian and a Filipino were being kept captive by a Sudbury couple.
Read the story here (in French) to know how it ends.

To learn more about human trafficking in Canada, visit the RCMP website in French or English.
Do you think they do enough to prevent this sort of crime?

End of Year Party! Woohoo!

2011-12-09T11:13:00.001-05:00

December 2011

The Story of Juana Tejada

2011-12-09T11:04:00.001-05:00

The story of Juana Tejada and her struggle for justice is the theme of the upcoming episode of Maala-ala mo Kaya (MMK). "Justice for Juana (J4J)" is one of Migrante Canada's campaign. Watch her life story, watchher struggles. The fight of Filipino migrants in Canada continues!  

It will be on ABS-CBN channel, Saturday Dec 10 7:30PM Philippine time (check for the times in your countries)

Click here to view the trailer.

Call for feedback / Appel à tous

2011-12-01T13:57:00.001-05:00

A group of student from Mcgill worked on this project last year. Before they finalize it, they would like to get comments and opinions from anyone, and potentially from experts who will happen to read it.
You can comment on the post or send an e-mail to pinay_can@yahoo.com and we will forward them the information.Final Project EAST 569 - Alice Martin Ellwood and Kerri Westlake

Offre d'emploi

2011-11-09T01:16:00.001-05:00

Intervenante femmes –Alternat’Elle

Rôle etresponsabilités :

§ Les principales responsabilités de l’intervenanteAltelnat’Elle consistent à offrir des services d’accueil, d’intégration,d’intervention aux femmes et de veiller au mieux-être des femmes résidentes. Elle est responsable de l’application du cadre théorique du programmed’intervention des femmes. De plus, elle est responsable du rayonnementde la ressource dans la communauté ainsi que du bon fonctionnement del’équipe. Travaillant dans un milieu de vie communautaire, l’intervenanteintervient avec une approche féministe. L’ensemble desinterventions auprès des femmes et enfants doit favoriser la reprise de pouvoirsur leur vie.

§ En tout temps, elle est responsable du respect du coded’éthique du Refuge, des règlements du Refuge /et d’Alternat’Elle, desrèglements généraux en vigueur, de la politique de santé sécurité ainsi que lachartre féministe du Regroupement provincial.

§ Elle est responsable de maîtriser et appliquer lapolitique des employées du Refuge.

FONCTIONS :

Intervention :

Ø Accueillir et accompagner les nouvelles résidentes et lesinformer des règlements à respecter.

Ø Rencontrer, sur une base régulière, les résidentes.

Ø Effectuer l’intervention de crise au besoin.

Ø Etablir, pour chacune des familles, en collaboration avecl’intervenante mère-enfants d’Alternat’Elle, un plan d’intervention tenantcompte de leur réalité.

Ø Soutenir la femme dans ses démarches en favorisant unerelation égalitaire.

Ø Tenir à jour les dossiers des résidentes.

Ø Accompagner, selon la situation, les femmes à l’extérieuren tenant compte des besoins.

Rencontre de groupe :

Ø Développer et effectuer des interventions degroupe :

o Intervention terrain - Intervention thématique-Intervention de vie communautaire

Ø Développer et mettre sur pied des groupes en approche dedévictimisation.

Vie collective :

Ø S’assurer du respect des règlements d’Alternat’Elle.

Ø Sensibiliser les femmes sur la salubrité et l’entretiendes logements.

Ø Inspecter les appartements minimum une fois par mois pours’assurer le l’hygiène et du respect des lieux.

Ø S’impliquer et participer de la 2 e entrevue de sélectiondes futures résidentes.

Ø Initier des activités de réseautage et de dévictimisation1x par mois.

Ø Participer et collaborer aux activités sociales du Refuge(journée du 8 mars, party de Noël, …).

Concertation etsensibilisation :

Ø Représenter le Refuge et/ Alternat’Elle dans lacommunauté en siégeant sur des tables de concertation et des comités (tel quel’Alliance) afin d’assurer le rayonnement des ressources et renforcer lacollaboration inter organismes.

Ø Animer des activités de prévention et de sensibilisationau sein de la communauté.

Administration /gestion :

Ø Développer et compléter les fiches statistiques.

Ø Compléter les outils de communication.

Ø Effectuer la lecture et la mise à jour de ladocumentation.

Ø Favoriser la communication d’équipe.

Ø Participer aux rencontres d’équipe du Refuge et auxsupervisions cliniques.

Ø Travailler en étroite collaboration avec toute l’équipedu Refuge.

Ø Participer à la formation et l’intégration des bénévoles,stagiaires et nouvelles employées du Refuge.

Divers :

Ø Être disponible (sur demande) afin de répondre auxbesoins ponctuels de la continuité du service 24/7 du Refuge et assurer ladescription de tâches reliée au poste.

Ø Effectuer toutes autres tâches connexes demandées par ladirection.

EXIGENCES :

Avoir obtenu un diplôme en intervention. Détenir une analyseféministe des causes de la violence faite aux femmes. Expérience de 3 ansdans un travail similaire. Bonne maîtrise de la langue française et anglaise. Etre disponible pour des horaires variables.

Envoyer CV et lettre indiquant votre vision de laviolence conjugale et votre motivation à travailler auprès des femmes qui ysont exposés à shelter@videotron.ca

FREE LEGAL INFORMATION CLINIC

2011-11-09T01:09:00.000-05:00

When: Saturday, November 12 and 27, 2011
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Where: Immigrant Worker’s Center 4755, Van Horne Suite 110

McGill Law Students, working under the supervision of a volunteer lawyer, will provide you with legal information through legal research based on your individual case.
All kinds of legal issues/concerns are accepted.

For more info, contact pinaycan@yahoo.com

In solidarity...

2011-11-09T00:53:00.002-05:00

Dear friends,

Recently, a case of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal of a female irregular worker at Hyundai Motor’s Asan Factory has brought to light the problem of gender discrimination at Korean corporations. The survivor in this case, Ms. Park, is currently carrying out a sit-in struggle demand her reinstatement and punishment of the offenders.

To lend our support, People’s Solidarity for Social Progress (PSSP) has been participating in the Coalition to Support the Irregular Woman Workers’ Sit-in Protest against Sexual Harassment and Unfair Dismissal at the Hyundai Motor Asan Factory. This Coalition includes the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Seoul Regional Council, the KCTU Women’s Committee, the Korean Metal Workers’ Union (KMWU), the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions (KFCITU) and several progressive political parties and civil society organizations.

The Coalition is calling for international action to pressure the Korean government and management of Hyundai Motor and the related subcontractor to punish those responsible and reinstate the survivor and has asked us to forward on this request.

---
This is a solidarity letter to support a woman worker who has been sexually harassed by her managers, and unfairly dismissed at a subcontractor of Hyundai Motor. She has been holding a sit-in struggle in front of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family from June.

The health of a courageous woman is at stake in this case. This solidarity action, however, is not just for her but also for all those women who suffer sexual harassment at their workplaces. It is especially for those women workers who work at subcontractors. Given that the owners of subcontractors can easily fire or cancel the labor contract of anyone who causes trouble, it is very hard for these women to fight against sexual harassment on the shop floor. Parent companies, moreover, never take responsibility in such cases. The recent Hyundai Motor case is very typical of these widespread and rampant practices. It is very important, therefore, to call attention to this wrongful practice in Korea.

Please take action to call on that the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and Hyundai Motor to take responsibility and find a solution to this problem. All concerned authorities should be made responsible for punishing the offenders and having the victim reinstated promptly.

DETAILS:

Ms. Park had worked for 14 years at a factory of Hyundai Motor in Asan, Korea. She had renewed her labor contract with different subcontractors every two years. But regardless of whoever the employer was, she had worked same works in that factory. A group leader and the manager of that factory sexually harassed her from April 2009. They swore at her with unspeakable words and demanded to have sex with them over the phone. Furthermore, they touched her body and threatened her. Eventually, she told of her suffering to her colleague one day. But after this news became known to other co-workers, the employer punished her. The reason was that she tarnished the company’s image by her careless behavior. What was worse, the offender attended in the personnel committee as a member. At first, she was suspended for six months. And after the retrial, they decided to cut her wages for three months. So she petitioned the National Human Rights Commission to judge whether this case is sexual harassment and unfair dismissal or not. Then, the personnel committee dismissed her from work. She started picketing alone at the main gate of the factory. But the security guards and managers assaulted her. So she was hospitalized for four weeks. This time on, she started a sit-in struggle in the factory, but they attacked her again.

On November 2010, the subcontractor, Kumyang Logistics, reported a closure of the business. And another subcontractor, Hyungjin Company, hired all workers of Kumyang except her. She continued her struggle in front of the factory, but they attacked her whenever she set up a tent.

On the 14th of January 2011, the National Human Rights Commission reached a ruling that her case was definitely a sexual harassment and urged the employer and the offenders to compensate her for mental and physical damage. But they have ignored the judgment and take no particular action. A officer of the Ministry of Employment and Labor told they can nothing because Kumyang closed their business. And another officer of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family told they can nothing either because their business is not to seek a resolution but just to train anti-sexual violence. Hyundai Motor strongly denies that they need to take any responsibility as a prime contractor. Furthermore, Hyundai Motor distributed an official paper to the members of the National Assembly during the inspection saying that she is a divorcee and a trouble maker.
She does not retract and now keeps on her sit-in struggle in front of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family for more than 150 days.

SUGGESTED ACTIONS:

There are many things that you can do in response to this appeal. Here are just four of them.

1. If you agree to our action, please sign up for our public statement. Send a reply to pssp@jinbo.net, with your name and the name of your organization on it. Then we’ll hold a press conference in front of Hyundai Motor, backed up with the expression of your solidarity.

2. Also, you can sign and send a sample letter below or send your own letter. If you send a protest letter please forward a copy by fax to 82 2 778 4006 or by email to pssp@jinbo.net
(The content of this sample letter is same as our public statement.)

3. If you have a blog or other online presence, please post information about this case.

4. Use social media and networking sites to urge the punishment of offenders and reinstatement of Ms. Park at Hyundai Motor.

For further information, please contact People’s Solidarity for Social Progress (http://www.pssp.org /)

Tel : +82 2 778 4002
Fax : +82 2 778 4006
E-mail : pssp@jinbo.net

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A PUBLIC STATEMENT (SAMPLE LETTER)

(Dear ___________)

Punish the offenders of sexual harassment and reinstate Ms. Park.

We were shocked to hear the news that a woman worker has been holding a sit-in struggle for more than 150 days asking for the punishment of those offenders who sexually harassed her and reinstatement of her. We can’t understand why she was unfairly dismissed, despite being a victim of sexual harassment. And we are deeply concerned that this case has a bad effect on the women workers’ rights in Korea.

Many of women workers are sexually harassed at the work places. But it calls for great courage to expose their problem. Especially, it is even harder for those women workers who working at a subcontractor because of their precarious employment. So if a woman worker reveals her problem, the company has to protect her and solve the problem immediately. But Ms. Park was dismissed just because she made her suffering known to her colleagues. Another shocking fact is that the offender is still working at the same factory. We know that the National Human Rights Commission judged her case definitely constituted a sexual harassment and urged the employer and offenders should compensate her for damage. If they keep avoiding their responsibility, Hyundai Motor has to punish them and reinstate Ms. Park, using its position as a prime contractor. But we came across a report that Hyundai Motor distributed an official paper to condemn her not to save her.

We regret that Ms. Park has no choice but to keep her sit-in in front of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, because the ministries and companies who should take the responsibility do not come on her side, avoiding their responsibility.

We urge them as below
(when you send a letter, choose addressee and make it clear what you want to do)

To Hyundai Motors

-Apologize to her for secondary harassment, by mentioning and condemning her privacy.
-Punish offenders and reinstate Ms. Park to her work.

To Hyungjin Company

-Punish offenders and reinstate Ms. Park immediately.

To the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

-Demand strongly to Hyundai Motors to take an action and solve this problem promptly.
-Take preventive and counter measures for women workers not to be unfairly dismissed on the account of exposing sexual harassment.

(Sincerely,)

----------------

PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:

1. Mr. Jung Mong-gu
Chairman, Hyundai Motor Company

231, Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea

2. Mr. Kim Sang-hoon
Chairman, Hyunjin Company

Hyundai Motor, 129, Gumsung-lee, Injoo-myun, Asan, Korea
Tel : +82 41 530 5996
Fax : +82 41 532 1954

3. Mr. Lee Chae-pil
Minister, Ministry of Employment and Labor

BD #1, Gwacheon Government Complex
47, Gwanmoon-ro, Gwacheon, Korea
Tel: +82 2 503 9700
Fax: +82 2 504 6708

4. Ms. Kim Kum-lae
Minister, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

Premier Place BD, 8, Cheonggyecheon-ro , Joong-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel : +82 2 2075 4501
Fax : +82 2 3210 4702

A chance to meet and engage in dialog!

2011-10-22T20:04:00.000-04:00

Event in Montreal

May problema ka ba? / Do you know your rights as live-in caregiver or have other legal issues?

2011-10-13T23:05:00.000-04:00

Come join us at our FREE legal information clinic!

When? Saturday 15 Oct

What time? From 2-4 PM

Where? At IWC 4755 Van Horne st. (Room 110)

Law students will be present to take down your legal issues.

For more info, contact: pinaycan@yahoo.com

IMA Statement on the Adoption of the ILO Convention on Domestic Workers

2011-06-08T22:33:00.001-04:00

The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) congratulates domestic workers organizations, migrants groups and advocates for the rights of migrant workers who have advocated for the passing of an international instrument that can be used for the further advancement of domestic workers rights. Despite attempts by some governments, particularly of the European Union, to water down key provisions, the ILO Committee on Domestic Workers adopted the Convention on Domestic Workers that constituted a big step towards its passing.

Among migrant workers, an overwhelming number are in the domestic work sector. The frequent global crisis has pushed more and more people especially women to domestic work as socio-economic and political problems in migrant-sending countries escalate. Meanwhile, the labour market in migrant-importing countries has contracted to the point where migrant workers are relegated to the 3D jobs dirty, difficult and dangerous that include domestic work.

As domestic workers, migrants experience some of the worst kind of exploitation and abuse. Severely underpaid, overworked and discriminated in all spheres, domestic workers labour rights are routinely violated with impunity. They suffer from extreme physical, mental and sexual abuse, and even brutal deaths.

Labour laws were not made to cover domestic workers. Most are in live-in employment arrangement that keeps abuse and exploitation hidden from the public. The right to file grievances and seek redress is also denied from domestic workers not only because they are excluded from national labour laws but also due to other barriers such as insecurity of livelihood and lack of access to legal services that should be provided both by the sending and receiving governments of migrant workers.

Organizations of foreign domestic workers have been consistently struggling against policies and practices that impinge on the rights of domestic workers. National movements of migrants in different countries have worked to painstakingly build the solid strength of migrants to resist anti-migrants and anti-women laws like the wage campaign in Hong Kong, the struggle against the anti-migrant provisions of the Live-in Caregiver Program in Canada, the campaign against abuses in the Middle East, resistance against the exploitation of the au pair system in Europe, and many other issues.

In the regional level, the IMA recognizes the work of formations such as the United for Foreign Domestic Workers Rights (UFDWRs) a network of leading grassroots migrants organizations and NGOs who have been calling to have domestic work recognized as work even before the ILO started exploring the possibility of an ILO agreement on domestic work.

But the work is not yet over. Recommendations that will be included in the final instrument are now being discussed. The adopted convention with recommendations must still be passed in the plenary of the International Labour Conference one week from now. If approved, the migrants movement must utilize the ILO Convention on Domestic Work to further push the advocacy for the rights of domestic workers especially in the national level.

Agreements on migrant workers rights have been present for years but still, national governments routinely ignore provisions of these conventions and disregard their principles. National governments must be pushed to revise or create policies that will be in accordance with the convention. The convention must not suffer the fate of the implementation of previous instruments that are violated and ignored.

In this regard, the strength of the grassroots migrants' movement is, more than ever, needed.

As the grassroots movement, both of local domestic workers and foreign domestic workers, plays a crucial role in the advocacy for the convention, so will this movement play a key part in its implementation. Organizing, educating and mobilizing domestic workers must continue to genuinely change the condition of exploitation and oppression of domestic workers.

As the global formation of grassroots migrants with more than 130 member organizations in 26 countries, the IMA shall continue to struggle for the rights and wellbeing of domestic workers. The struggle will not let up for as long as commodification and modern-day slavery of migrants persists, there is every reason for migrants to fight.

Members and networks of the International Migrants Alliance are currently in Geneva, Switzerland for the 100th Session of the International Labour Conference such as the Filipino Migrant Workers Union (FMWU-HK), MIGRANTE-Canada, and CARAM-Asia.

For reference: Eni Lestari
Chairperson, International Migrants Alliance
Tel. No.: 96081475

Slavery in the ambassador's home

2011-03-29T12:54:00.000-04:00

We were shocked by this article about the domestic workers of a Saudi Arabian ambassador to the Netherlands. Too often ambassadors and diplomats get around the laws of the countries they work in when it comes to the fair treatment of temporary foreign workers in domestic service. The Filipino family the ambassador employed were forbidden from leaving the house and their passports were confiscated. It is through the bravery of the workers to escape their conditions of slavery within the ambassador's house and their willingness to share their story with the world that change can come. It's time to blow the whistle on the exploitation of Filipina domestics all around the world.

Slaves in the Hague

By Martijn van Tol, 26 March 2011

Ambassadors and senior diplomats in The Hague are guilty of exploiting and imprisoning their staff. Domestic servants have told Radio Netherlands Worldwide and Dutch daily Trouw their stories of mistreatment. And the abuses are still happening today, according to the organisation Bonded Labour in the Netherlands (BLiN [1]). It’s nothing short of “modern slavery” says lawyer Antoinette Vlieger.

Foreign diplomats in The Hague like to employ Philippine servants. They do what they’re told and they work hard. The diplomats enjoy immunity – there’s no one to check up on the way they treat their domestic staff.

The grand houses along the coast behind the dunes in The Hague are popular as homes for foreign diplomats and ambassadors. They employ an army of waiters, cleaners, nannies and cooks, often brought in from overseas. One of them was 50-year-old Cheryl Barrio from the Philippines.

Passports confiscated

It’s spring 2003. Cheryl Barrio unpacks her suitcases in the house of the new Saudi Arabian ambassador to the Netherlands. She has already been working for the family in Saudi Arabia. When they arrive in the Netherlands the ambassador says she has to hand over her passport and tells her she’s not allowed to leave the house. A year later he says he needs more domestic staff. He has Cheryl’s daughter Amelia and son Benigno fly over from the Philippines. Their passports are also confiscated, and they’re also forbidden to set foot outside.

The three know what they have to do: get up early, work and sleep. Benigno works as a waiter and odd-job man, Amelia and Cheryl do the cleaning and washing. Sometimes the ambassador’s daughter will bring her jeans to be washed at midnight – she expects them to be clean and ironed ready for her in the morning.

Leftovers

“We so much wanted to see what it was like outside,” says Cheryl. “Every Saturday the ambassador and his wife and children would go out. One time when they drove away we decided to go outside, even if it was only for a couple of minutes. We went into the garden and looked over the fence at the neighbours.”

The ambassador’s family often say how nice it is in the Netherlands and tell Cheryl and her children about all the places they’ve been. But the three servants are never allowed outside, except very occasionally on a brief shopping trip under strict supervision.

Cheryl cooks for the ambassador and his family. The leftovers are for her and her children – she’s not allowed to cook separately. Once she fries up rice from the day before for herself, but the ambassador’s wife storms into the kitchen to tell her that reheating food isn’t halal.

Arrest

The ambassador pays his Philippine staff between 200 and 400 dollars (240 to 480 euros) a month – well below the minimum wage in the Netherlands. After deducting pocket money the ambassador sends the money to Cheryl’s husband and five other children in the Philippines.

When Cheryl asks the ambassador for a day off to go out, he tells her it’s too dangerous out on the street. What’s more, he says, the Dutch police would arrest her and send her back to the Philippines.

Thanks to the ambassador’s chauffeur, Cheryl gets hold of a mobile phone. She calls the Philippine embassy in The Hague and tells them about her situation.

“They answered that it wasn’t good for me to go outside, because the Philippine embassy didn’t want any trouble with the Saudis. The Saudis might stop issuing visas to Philippine workers. He told me I should ask the ambassador for more money myself. Of course, that wasn’t realistic.”

Ambassador of the year

Finally Cheryl and her children can’t take it anymore. One morning, when everyone including the guard is still asleep, they leave the house via the cellar, and hail a taxi. The driver takes them to the Zuiderpark in The Hague, because he says they'll be able to find other people from the Philippines there.

“We were so happy that we gave the taxi driver a 5 euro tip! The Filipinos asked if we were new in the Netherlands. I said ‘No, we’re only new to the outside world…’”

The Saudi embassy declines to comment on the story. The ambassador involved was elected Dutch ‘Ambassador of the year’ in 2006. He now works back in Saudi Arabia.

Modern slavery

What happened to Cheryl and her children is simply “modern slavery”, says law researcher Antoinette Vlieger [2] of the University of Amsterdam. The victims are enticed by a good wage and seemingly decent contract. “But once they’ve arrived the contract gets torn up and labour law is ignored.” The servants put up with it because their family back home depend on their earnings. The employers know this only too well, says Ms Vlieger.

“The servants’ visa is also tied to their work for the diplomat. That gives the ambassador power, and this power is increased by his diplomatic immunity. Diplomats stand outside of the legal system, so they think ‘I can get away with anything’.”

The Philippine family are not alone. Radio Netherlands Worldwide and Trouw know of other cases [3]in which diplomats’ private domestic servants have been confined, exploited and psychologically abused. The diplomats come from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Many servants are too scared to tell their stories.

The names of the Philippine woman and her children have been changed at their request to protect their identity.

If you work for an embassy or diplomat in The Hague and want to tell us about your working conditions, send an e-mail to embassy@rnw.nl [4]. For more information and legal assistance contact Bonded Labour in the Netherlands (BLiN [1]): +31 (0)20 523 11 00

Source URL:

26 OFW’s Accuse Recruiter Of Human Trafficking in Canada

2011-03-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

26 OFW’s Accuse Recruiter Of Human Trafficking in Canada

”NOT SO “SUPER” – Ms. Evelyn Calugay, president of PINAY, a grassroots, non-profit support group of Filipino caregivers in Montreal, Quebec, Canada gestures during a press conference Thursday (March 17) in Montreal when some of the 26 Filipino Live-in Caregivers came forward to appeal to Montreal authorities to re-open the investigation of a Canadian recruiter, John Aurora, who died while the case is pending against him for failure to provide employment for the caregivers even after each of them paid him US$4,000 and US$1,400 for travel expenses. Because Aurora’s job placement agency, Super Nanny, is still in business and his estate was left in the custody of his daughter, Natalie, the Filipino caregivers believe they still have a case against Aurora’s estate for human rights violations, including human trafficking, “for discrimination and exploitation committed by other persons associated directly with his (John Aurora’s) agency. Looking on at right is one of the caregivers, Sylvia Cordova. ( jGLiPhoto courtesy of Ms. Evelyn Calugay )
By By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)
(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)
Twenty-six Overseas Filipino Workers, mostly live-in caregivers (LIC’s), recruited to work in Montreal, Canada, were asked to sign housing lease contracts by their recruiter while waiting for their job offers. But they were never allowed to read nor were given copies of their contracts.
When they decided to leave their housing units because their recruiter abandoned them, the LIC’s were told to pay one-year rental payments because they failed to notify the landlord that they were leaving their housing units three months prior to the expiration of their one-year contract.
When the LIC’s were brought to the government’s Rental Board, the LIC’s told the Rental Board that they should not be penalized for paying a one-year rental contracts because they did not know that they were in violation of the housing lease contract.
They argued that because they were not given copies of their contracts nor allowed to read them before signing them, penalties on them should be waived.
The caregivers, who had no lawyer to speak for themselves in the French-speaking city of Quebec province, were told that ignorance of the law does not excuse them from being penalized.
When the “women turned to public agencies for help, help was not delivered,” according to a joint press release issued by Evelyn Calugay, president of the grassroots, non-for-profit support group, PINAY (Filipino colloquial word for Filipino woman) and Mr. Fo Niemi, executive director of the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), a non-profit civil rights organization promoting racial harmony and equality. PINAY and CRARR are both based in Montreal.
QUEBEC HUMAN RIGHTS BODY ALMOST DISMISSED CASE
Even after the caregivers “filed a complaint with the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission through PINAY in May 2009, the Commission did little investigation and almost dismissed their case in October 2010” due to the death in September 2009 of their recruiter, identified as John Aurora, a “South Asian” Montreal immigration consultant.
In a phone interview, Ms. Calugay, a retired nurse from Borongan, Samar in Central Philippines who immigrated to Canada in 1975, told this reporter because Aurora’s estate was left in the care of his daughter, Natalie Aurora, and his assistant, Jane Aguilar, a former Filipina caregiver, still working with Montreal-based Super Nanny recruiting agency, the LIC’s thru PINAY went ahead with their lawsuit against Aurora before the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission with the help of CRARR “for discrimination and exploitation committed by other persons associated directly with his (John Aurora’s) agency.”
The caregivers, in a press conference Thursday (March 17), asked Montreal authorities to investigate Aurora and other recruiters for human trafficking as their human rights are being violated while “many public agencies continue to turn a blind eye to these women’s plight year after year.”
They claimed that these public agencies failed to “effectively protect more than 40 women who came to Montreal through contractual arrangements with John Aurora.” Aurora often travelled to Hongkong and the Philippines “with a secretary to often recruit these workers at a fee (on average, these women paid US$4,000 to Aurora and US$1,400 for travel).”
SUBJECTED TO ABUSIVE TREATMENTS
Once landed in Montreal, these women were subjected to abusive treatments in employment and housing, including legal actions filed against them before the Rental Board on the basis of questionable leasing clauses.
For instance, upon arrival in Montreal, many women did not have the LIC job offers they were promised and had paid for before departure from the Philippines. They were never reimbursed by the agency for the lack of job offers.
While they were waiting for the confirmation of a new job offer, they were also asked to work unpaid. While they were asked to sign room rental leases, the caregivers endured substandard living conditions that included sleeping on the floor, overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.
“If you want to see what modern slavery and exploitation of women is all about, just look at us”, said Sylvia, a Filipina who was among the original 26 who filed the civil rights complaint after much hesitation. “We are the face of human trafficking in Canada and we must break the silence.”
“All this time, we thought we could count on the human rights commission for protection, because this is Quebec, this is Canada, after all”, said Jovita, another member of the group of 26. “Summoning a dead man to its office for investigation, as the Commission did, is not serious protection; it’s comic relief. Immigrant women have no justice, obviously.”
Since there are many other LICs aside from the original 26 women who still face similar situations (it is estimated that 700 LICs come to Quebec each year, most of whom from the Philippines), CRARR and PINAY are calling for a series of government actions to end the economic exploitation and violations of Filipina LICs’ civil rights.
ASKED TO PROSECUTE HUMAN TRAFFICKING
They also asked to investigate and prosecute the case as one of human trafficking; more effective protection and enforcement of LICs’ civil rights by the Quebec human rights commission, which may require a special investigation team that possesses the necessary competencies and sensitivity to rapidly investigate such cases; a systemic investigation by the human rights commission of the Rental Board’s handling of all cases involving LICs; reforms to the Quebec Government’s policy and measures involving LICs; and pushing Ottawa (capital of Canada) to ratify the International Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers.
According to PINAY President Evelyn Calugay, “This case will test (Quebec Prime Minister John James “Jean”) Charest’s commitment to civil rights and fair opportunities for one of the most vulnerable groups of women in Quebec, the Filipina Live-in Caregivers. It is about having laws that are not enforced and recourses that don’t work, or worse, recourses that are supposed to protect these women but that actually perpetuate the violations of their civil rights.

PINAY goes public with human rights case against Super Nanny

2011-03-19T11:52:00.000-04:00

PINAY blew the whistle Thursday on human rights abuses by a Montreal nanny agency and the failure of government agencies to offer adequate protection to the wronged women.

Super Nanny Agency, run by John Aurora, charged women from the Philippines as much as 4500 USD to immigrate to Canada as live-in caregivers (LICs) but when they arrived, they found themselves with no employer and no choice but to pay rent to the agency for a shared bed in squalid rental properties.

“When I arrived here I was brought to John Aurora’s house and we are all sleeping in the same bed. I didn’t know the girls but many of us are all staying in the same room. They have no choice but to stay there. They told me to sign a lease. We were told not to read it. Just sign. I paid $4500 for the promise that I have will have an employer, for the promise that life in Canada is better. But when I arrived, they said I don’t have an employer,” Sylvia Cordova, one of the 26 women who filed a complaint against the John Aurora (JA) agency with the Quebec Human Rights Commission.

One of Aurora’s rental properties had only two bathrooms for 27 residents. Women have come forward with stories of sleeping four to a bed – with only one blanket. Others slept on the floor. No one was allowed visitors after 9 p.m. and while waiting for ane employer, newly arrived Filipina women worked for Aurora without pay.

Delays in the commencement of work place LICs in a stressful and precarious position, as they must complete 24 months of live-in care work in order to secure permanent residency status in Canada under the rules of the live-in caregiver program. When LICs finally find a new employer, their work with them does not immediately count towards the accumulation of the 24 months, as delays of up to six months are typical for issuing a new work permit under a new employer’s name.

Thursday’s press conference, held in conjunction with The Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), was aimed to expose the way the Quebec Human Rights Commission and the Regie du Logement have failed to adequately protect live-in caregivers brought to Canada through the Super Nanny agency.

PINAY spent 18 months building a human rights case upon the testimonies of 26 caregivers against Super Nanny. PINAY, who filed on behalf of the women Super Nanny abused, waited months following the submission the complaints before they heard anything from the Quebec Human Rights Commission.

During this time, John Aurora died. The Quebec Human Rights Commission rejected the case in the fall of 2010 due to Aurora’s death, his daughter’s denial of being involved in the agency’s operations, and because Super Nanny is not an incorporated business.

Evelyn Calugay, the President of PINAY informed the Commission of the news of Aurora’s death in September 2010 and inquired how they should proceed. Six weeks later, the Commission summoned the deceased Aurora for questioning.

“They sent Mr. Aurora a letter to ask him to come in for an interview and to send them files. I don’t know if it’s standard procedure, but it’s strange to want to interview a dead man,” Calugay said.

Aurora’s daughter’s denial of her involvement in the agency is inconsistent with the victims’ testimonies and her appearance in court before the rental board between 2008 and 2010 that implicate her in the abuse and Super Nanny’s operations.

PINAY was outraged and frustrated when the Human Rights Commission rejected the case and recruited CRARR's help and expertise to contest the decision.

“We want the provincial and federal government to give [live-in caregivers] equal rights under the law. Because they are immigrants and women of colour they are in a precarious positions. They have not been given the protection they need,” said Fo Niemi, the executive director of CRARR.

CRARR and PINAY also exposed the mistreatment JA’s live-in caregiver clients received at the Regie du Logement. Over the years, Aurora brought 30 of his live-in caregiver clients to the Regie du Logement for breaking yearlong leases he manipulated them into signing. Frequently, these women were not informed that a case was being brought against them, and still the Regie proceeded in their absence. When he won a case, Aurora would go with a bailiff to withdraw the penalty from the bank accounts of the live-in caregivers. Aurora knew exactly what bank to go to and what account number to withdraw from because he had helped the caregivers set up the account when they arrived.

“The rental board should have known when they see the same name coming back. The rental board should have done something. We find this disturbing,” Said Niemi.

PINAY and CRAAR encourage any women who used Super Nanny to arrange their immigration to Canada and who have suffered abuses to come forward and share their story.

Here are some links to articles about the case:

Vancouver Sun

Montreal Gazette

Global News

Montrealers defy frigid temperatures to celebrate International Women’s Day

2011-03-15T11:46:00.000-04:00

Montréal, Québec -- On Tuesday, 8^th March 2011, Montréalers took to the streets to celebrate International Women’s Day. Despite freezing weather condition, close to 400 Montréalers marched along Ste-Catherine street, in the downtown heart of the city. The demo organized for the tenth year in a row by the 8^th March Committee of Women of Diverse Origins drew in an array of groups, some of whom are members of the 8^th March Committee – PINAY (the Filipino Womens’ Organization in Québec), the South Asian Women’s Community Centre, the Immigrant Workers’ centre, the Iranian Women’s Association, Proletarian Feminist Front, and the Movement Against Rape and Incest. There were many women joined by male supporters and allies. The were elders and many youth. The groups represented local and international issues – Palestine, aboriginal women who have been disappeared, working-class women of Montréal, migrant workers from the Philippines and Latin America, violence against women, students and workers.

Catching many eyes along the route of the demonstration were large cut-outs of women with their arms raised, trailing brightly-coloured ribbons of fabric. They symbolized uprising to make real the slogan for this year in Montréal, “The Slaves of the Slaves Rise Up!” an historic slogan adopted by women struggling for change and equality in different parts of the world at various historic junctures. It is a call from brave women, oppressed in their own societies, who have been at the heart of their people’s struggles against regimes and tyrants who themselves were servants to imperialist masters. The slogan was selected because it spoke to the inspiring and historic revolts sweeping North Africa and the Middle East where women are on the frontlines, the backbone of resistance.

Different speakers at the start and at the end of the demonstration spoke to local and global realities, with a good mix of feminist, left and radical perspectives, drawing attention to women’s struggles for peace and justice all over the world. Those gathered were reminded that women are still ½ of the world’s people who do 2/3 of the world’s work, earn 1/10 of the world’s income and own 1/100 of the world’s property.

Slogans in several languages reverberated along the route of the demonstration: “Mujeres unidas jamas seran vencidas!” “So-so-so solidarité avec les femmes du monde entier”, and "Save the planet, Smash the System, Put an end to imperialism!" Some groups sang and at times all you could hear was loud sound without any identifiable word or phrase. What came through was the force of the voices and the collective sense of solidarity and struggle. This was again visible when at the end of the demo, standing to hear the closing speeches, the banners of many groups were held in what seemed a solid wall of different women’s organizations, standing together in solidarity to celebrate and affirm the strength of women to continue to make change for a better society for their families, communities and themselves.

See more photos on the web site: www.wdofdo.wordpress.com

THE SLAVES OF THE SLAVES RISE UP! -- celebrate INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2011 in Montréal

2011-03-02T23:05:00.001-05:00

CONFERENCE – Saturday, March 5 UQAM, Pavillon Hubert-Aquin, room A-2885, 400 Ste Catherine east (corner St-Denis), (métro Berri-UQAM)
Simultaneous Interpretation; childcare available : Voluntary contribution $5 (no one turned away)

International Women's Day Demonstration - Tuesday, March 8, Cabot Square (Atwater metro), starts 6:00pm.

The 8th March Committee of Women of Diverse Origins [WDO] celebrates International Women’s Day with the theme “The Slaves of the Slaves Rise Up!” an historic slogan adopted by women struggling for change and equality in different parts of the world at various historic junctures. It is a call from those brave women, oppressed in their own societies, who have been at the heart of their people’s struggles against regimes and tyrants who themselves were servants to imperialist masters.

As feminists, dedicated to a world of equality in all spheres, we oppose capitalism, imperialism and patriarchy in all its manifestations, within the home and outside the home, in political, economic and religious spheres . The WDO has contributed to a new militancy and awareness in the women’s movement locally, across the country and even beyond. We have much to celebrate following the successful Montreal International Women’s Conference which we hosted in August, 2010 and in the formation at that time of a militant, anti-imperialist, anti-patriarchal and anti-racist International Women’s Alliance.

This year we are inspired by the historic revolts sweeping North Africa and the Middle East where women once again are on the frontlines, the backbone of resistance. After decades, people again around the world are throwing off the shackles of fear and oppression and rising up against authoritarian rulers and oppressive regimes that themselves are controlled by imperialist and neo-liberal powers. Their living situations with rising prices and increasing lack of human dignity have reached boiling point and are spilling over. Political and economic exploitative systems are being revealed in all their starkness.

There will be a conference on Saturday 5th March from 10am till 5pm with speakers from Tunisia, Iran, Haiti and the Philippines and presentations on Québec and Canada – welfare rights, violence against women, indigenous women, cutbacks affecting women and marginalized communities.

There will be discussion, debate and celebration, especially as this is also a year of landmark anniversaries – groups that are part of the 8th March WDO -- PINAY, the Filipino women’s group celebrating 20 years, the South Asian Women’s Community Centre, celebrating 30 years, the Mouvement contre le viol et l’inceste with 35 years and the WDO itself celebrating its first decade.

And on Tuesday 8th March – International Women’s Day demo – Ste-Catherine Street, starting at Cabot Square (Atwater) at 6 pm.

All are invited to both events. Celebrating strength, advancing struggles! Info: email:wdofdo@gmail.com

http://wdofdo.wordpress.com/

LES ESCLAVES DES ESCLAVES SE LÈVENT! -- la journée internationale des femmes à Montréal

2011-03-02T22:17:00.001-05:00

Joignez-vous au Comité du 8 mars pour célébrer la JOURNÉE INTERNATIONALE DES FEMMES 2011 à Montréal

CONFÉRENCE – Samedi 5 mars 10h à 17h à l’UQAM, Pavillon Hubert-Aquin, salle A-2885, 400 rue Ste Catherine Est (coin St-Denis), (métro Berri-UQAM) - Interprétation fournie; garderie disponible : contribution volontaire $5 (personne ne sera refusée)

MARCHE de la Journée des femmes - Mardi 8 mars, Carré Cabot (métro Atwater), départ 18 h.

Le Comité du 8 mars des Femmes de diverses origines (FDO) célèbre la Journée internationale des Femmes, sous le thème "Les esclaves des esclaves se lèvent!", un slogan historique adopté par les femmes en lutte pour le changement et l’égalité dans différentes parties du monde à divers tournants historiques. C’est l’appel de femmes courageuses, opprimées par leurs propres sociétés et qui sont au cœur des luttes populaires contre des régimes et des tyrans qui sont eux-mêmes les esclaves des puissances impérialistes.

En tant que féministes qui œuvrent pour un monde d’égalité dans tous les domaines, nous combattons le capitalisme, l’impérialisme et le patriarcat sous toutes ses formes, à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur du foyer, dans les sphères politique, économique et religieuse. Le FDO a contribué à l’émergence d’un militantisme nouveau et à une prise de conscience dans le mouvement féministe sur la scène locale, nationale et au-delà. Nous avons de grandes réussites à célébrer, telle que le succès de la conférence internationale de Montréal que nous avons accueillie en août 2010 et la formation subséquente d’une Alliance internationale des femmes, militante, anti-impérialiste, anti-patriarcale et antiraciste.

Cette année, nous sommes inspirées par les révoltes historiques qui balayent l’Afrique du Nord et le Moyen-Orient où encore une fois les femmes sont sur les lignes de front et forment l’ossature de la résistance. Après des décennies, les peuples du monde secouent à nouveau les chaînes de la peur et de l’oppression pour se soulever contre des dirigeants autoritaires et des régimes oppresseurs qui sont eux-mêmes contrôlés par les puissances impérialistes et néolibérales. Des conditions de vie marquées par la hausse des prix et la négation croissante de la dignité humaine ont conduit à cet état d’ébullition et on assiste maintenant aux débordements. Les systèmes politiques et économiques exploiteurs sont mis à jour dans toute leur brutalité.

Il y aura une conférence le samedi 5 mars, de 10 heures à 17 heures, avec des conférencières de Tunisie, d’Iran, d’Haïti et des Philippines ainsi que des exposés sur la situation au Québec et au Canada dans les domaines suivants – les droits sociaux, la violence contre les femmes, les femmes autochtones, les coupures qui affectent les femmes et les communautés marginalisées.

Il y aura des discussions, des débats et des célébrations car c’est aussi une année d’anniversaires marquants pour les groupes qui forment le Comité du 8 mars FDO – PINAY, l’organisation des femmes philippines du Québec fête ses 20 ans; le Centre communautaire des femmes sud-asiatiques fête ses 30ans; le Mouvement contre le viol et l’inceste fête ses 35 ans et le FDO lui-même fête sa première décennie.

Et mardi le 8 mars - la manif de la Journée internationale des femmes partira à 18 heures du Carré Cabot (Atwater), rue Ste Catherine Ouest à 18 heures.

Vous êtes toutes et tous invitées aux deux événements. Célébrer nos forces et faire avancer nos luttes
Info : courriel : wdofdo@gmail.com
http://wdofdo.wordpress.com/

congrats to the newly elected PINAY executive!!

2011-02-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

Please welcome your 2011 PINAY executive!!

Chairperson-- Evelyn Calugay

Vice Chair-- Fiel Salazar

General Secretary -- Jasmin dela Calzada

Deputy Secretary -- Teresa Agustin

Treasurer-- Delia de Veyra

Members voted to elect the executive at the General Assembly held this past weekend. Introducing (left to right): Tess, Jasmin, Fiel, Evelyn, and Delia

PINAY's 2011 General Assembly

2011-02-21T16:12:00.000-05:00

Advance the struggle of Filipino Migrant and Immigrant Women!

On Sunday, about forty PINAY members and supporters gathered at the Immigrant Worker’s Center in Cote des Neiges to hold a General Assembly. The goal of the General Assembly was to take stock of PINAY’s accomplishments since 2008, to set goals for the coming year, to amend PINAY’s constitution, and to elect the group’s leadership. The Assembly was also a celebration of PINAY’s 20^th anniversary. Participants shared a delicious potluck meal and had a chance to socialize and share ideas during break times. All the presenters agreed that PINAY needs the input, energies, time, creativity, and commitment of its membership to ensure that the organization will continue to vibrantly fight for caregiver rights in the years to come.

PINAY members vote on amendments to their organization's constitution. Photo: Fiel Salazar

The assembly began with a welcome address from PINAY president, Evelyn Calugay. Here are some highlights of her speech:

“We ask members to give us their time so we can take baby steps towards fighting for immigrant women. There are so many attacks on us and what we do from ignorant people. They ask, ‘why do caregivers complain? Why are Filipinas here? What kind of people are Filipina caregivers?’ As soon as we understand what’s happening to us, we will feel better as a group. When there is support, we will not be scarred. That’s why we need you. We need leaders. We can help caregivers improve their condition. We can help them and they can help us. Our big achievement during these past two years was having the Juana Tejada law passed. Now caregivers are not subjected to a second medical exam in Canada when they apply for permanent residency. The change will make things easier for you. But that’s it? It’s not enough! …

We have a newsletter. We need you to get active in producing it. We need to have educational discussions. We need to study more. We need to develop our strengths so that we can face anybody. We cannot isolate ourselves. If we do, we won’t be strong. You have the knowledge to debate on immigration issues and the LCP.”

The assembly then moved on to presentations of committee reports. Committee Chair Delia Argate de Veyra presented the Report of the Financial Organizing Committee for the time period between December 2008 and January 2001.

She highlighted the orientations, forums, seminars, and workshops PINAY held over the last two years. During these events, PINAY members were taught about the history of the Philippines so that they can understand the forces behind their migration. PINAY also lobbied to have domestic workers covered by CSST, informed government officials about the phenomenon of “ghost employers”, ran campaigns with an international focus to stop political killings in the Philippines and to Free the Morong 43, and spearheaded the organization of the 2010 International Women’s Conference.

Delia acknowledged obstacles that impeded the work of her committee, including irregular executive committee meetings, difficulty in keeping up with new members who frequently changed their addresses and phone numbers, and the need to think of more creative ways to fundraise. The committee suggested coming up with a two-year plan to focus future efforts.

Education Committee Chair Thelma Castro then took over the floor and presented her report on the Education Committee’s accomplishments, challenges, and future goals.

New PINAY members were given an orientation on the goals and mandate of the organization they now take part in and so that they can learn about the historical roots of women’s oppression and the history of migration. Thelma pointed to the importance of putting out regular newsletters and members agreed that training in newsletter writing and layout would be key to the process. Thelma highlighted that inconsistent participation from volunteers can pose a major challenge to the work of the education committee.

PINAY then received solidarity messages from Sadeqa from SAWC, Salimah, Shannon, Pauline, Marie, Walter Tom, and Melissa. Marie reminisced about the triumphant Melca Salvador Campaign. Her emotions came to the surface – and elicited tears from audience members too – when she asserted that the LCP is a racist and sexist program that denies women the right to have children and to live outside of their employer’s home.

Members enjoy a potluck lunch and good conversation during a break

After the lunch break, Thelma Castro presented PINAY’s program plans for the future. These include:

To advance the struggle of immigrant and migrant Filipino women in Quebec
Provide basic services (including legal advice, accompaniment to the labour board, counseling, etc…) to members, especially those in need
Advocate for the rights and welfare of members
Undertake campaigns and mobilizations
To make PINAY’s membership vibrant and active
Celebrate PINAY’s 20^th anniversary with a big party
Create a cultural group, for example in popular theater, dance, or singing
Hold a leadership workshop to explore what’s next after you gain permanent residence and complete the LCP. The workshop would help participants figure out how gain more education and find a job.
Hold a workshop on layout and newsletter writing.

The event was a great success and PINAY has much to be proud of. Looking forward, we are excited about the year ahead and the good work we will keep doing!

MABUHAY ANG PINAY!

PINAY membership in 2011

REPORT: Warning! Domestic work can be dangerous to your immigration status, health, safety, and wallet!

2011-02-04T15:08:00.000-05:00

In 2008, PINAY collaborated with the McGill school of social work on a report on domestic work in Montreal based on in-depth survey style interviews with 148 live-in caregivers. The survey questionnaire was developed over several months in a participatory process that involved fifteen PINAY members, McGill social work students, two university researchers from UQAM and McGill professor of social work, Jill Hanley. The report represents the analysis of the findings that came out of a series of focus group sessions with PINAY members and covers demographics, work conditions, and health and safety of the respondents. The pdf version of the report is available below in full below.

This community-based survey serves to document the immigration, working, health and safety conditions faced by domestic workers in Montreal. Having reached nearly 150 domestic workers – a notoriously hard-to-reach population – allows us to paint a portrait such has never been done in Quebec. We see a mixed situation for domestic workers. Many enjoy decent working, health and safety conditions but there are a significant number who do not. And, unfortunately, questions of immigration and the fact of working in a private home
make it exceedingly difficult for those who do have problems to seek recourse. Of the issues that have been raised in this survey, the most important include:

· Domestic work is overwhelming the work of immigrant women

· Domestic workers often have to support not only family in Canada but also family abroad on their meagre salaries

· Access to sick days and holidays is sketchy for domestic workers

· Domestic workers have difficulty accessing or are even excluded from government

· Protections (such as EI, Labour Standards and CSST)

· Domestic work poses numerous risks to health and safety

· Domestic workers have difficulty accessing health services

Link to the report of googledocs here

BC temporary foreign workers take legal action against Denny's resto

2011-01-11T15:02:00.000-05:00

Fiorillo Glavin Gordon & Kestrel Workplace Legal Counsel

Media Release

For Immediate Release, Monday January 10, 2011

$10 million class action lawsuit launched in Canada on behalf of current and former Denny’s Restaurant Temporary Foreign Workers

Vancouver – A $10 million class action lawsuit has been filed against Denny’s Restaurants in BC by law firms acting on behalf of more than 50 foreign workers who allege their employment contracts have been breached.

Lawyers Charles Gordon and Christopher Foy filed the lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court against Northland Properties Corporation - doing business as Denny’s Restaurants – and Dencan Restaurants Inc., the companies that run Denny’s Restaurants in British Columbia for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of good faith and fair dealing and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to their employees hired through the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

“More than 50 Filipino foreign workers came to Canada, mainly as cooks and servers, to take jobs at Denny’s Restaurants in BC but were required to pay approximately $6000.00 each to an agency that was recruiting employees for the Defendants and they have not received the hours of work, overtime pay, air travel and other conditions they were promised,” says Gordon. “As a result, the Defendants are in breach of contract and will be held to account in court.”

Gordon says a representative plaintiff, Herminia Vergara Dominguez, is bringing this employment related class action on behalf of a class of over 50 Filipino foreign workers who came to Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and were employed in Denny’s restaurants from December 1, 2006 to the present.

Foy says that while lost wages, travel, recruitment costs and punitive damages have led to a claim that could cost Denny’s more than $10 million, the case is a simple one.

“These workers were encouraged to come to Canada with a set of promises that have never been met – they have done their part but the Defendants have not lived up to their end of the deal.” Foy said.

The Notice of Civil Claim alleges, among other things, that the Defendants have breached the class members’ contracts of employment in the following manner:

· failing to provide the promised 40 hours of work per week;

· failing to correctly calculate and provide overtime pay;

· failing to pay the costs for air travel between the Philippines and Canada; and

· in addition, the class members paid approximately $6,000.00 each to a recruiter which the Plaintiff claims is:

contrary to the contracts of employment;
contrary to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada policy and guidelines of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program;
contrary to a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of British Columbia; and
contrary to s. 10(1) of the British Columbia Employment Standards Act

Foy said a class action case management judge will be assigned in the coming weeks and a case conference will be held to establish a timetable for the conduct of the action.

For more information and copies of the Notice of Civil Claim contact: Charles Gordon at 604-734-8001 or Christopher Foy at 604-736-6010 or Bill Tieleman, West Star Communications at 604-844-7827 or cell 778-896-0964

Websites: Charles Gordon: www.fgglawyers.com or Christopher Foy:www.kwlc.ca

-30-

Migrante B.C.

Community-based organization of Filipino migrants and immigrants working to promote and protect migrants rights. Member of Migrante Canada, International Migrants Alliance (IMA)-Canada and of BAYAN Canada.

226 E. Woodstock Avenue, Vancouver, BC Canada V5W 1N1

Tel: 604.408.0830ｌEmail:migrante_bc@ymail.comｌwww.migrantebc.org

Know your rights! Focus group today

2011-01-08T14:21:00.000-05:00

Join us for a focus group discussion today on the LCP at 4 p.m.

Location: Immigrant Workers Center, 4755, ave. Van Horne, Room 110

PINAY supports for the Manitoba 3

2010-12-19T13:10:00.000-05:00

Montreal
December 18, 2010

More than 70 members and supporters of PINAY - Filipino Women's Organization of Quebec show their support for the Manitoba 3 by posing for a photo while holding up posters with the picture of the three migrant workers and with the words , "LET THE THREE FATHERS STAY IN CANADA".

The three were arrested on June 24, 2010 after being duped into working at a gas station in Thompson, Manitoba without work permits which their employer had promised. The three migrant workers have been gaining popular support for their cause throughout many parts of the country largely due to the work to raise awareness around their situation by the newly formed Migrante Canada chapter, an alliance of 16 organizations from coast to coast advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants. The three fathers, known to the media and the community as the ‘Three Amigos’, came to Canada in 2007 under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Sid De Guzman, Deputy Secretary-General of Migrante Canada first explained to the crowd the plight of the Filipino migrant workers before asking them to pose for the photo to show their support. The three are currently in limbo in Winnipeg awaiting their court hearing regarding their appeal to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. "Their only crime was to want to work in Canada to provide for their families back home," says Sid De Guzman.

The symbolic gesture in support of the Manitoba 3 was done during the year-end gathering of PINAY, a member organization of the Migrante alliance. The PINAY event also happens to coincides with International Migrant's Day this year, which was perfect timing, according to PINAY president, Evelyn Calugay.

"Every year, around the Holiday season, we gather to celebrate our victories and renew our commitment to go forward with our struggles for justice for migrants," explains Evelyn. "Our members are absolutely committed to supporting the call to let the three fathers stay and have access to jobs to support their families back home; something that the Philippine government is incapable of providing them and thousands of our compatriots who are forced to leave our country each day."

Philippine leader orders release of 43 health workers

2010-12-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

We were relieved and happy to see this piece of news this morning on the BBC.

BBC News

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11966658

10 December 2010 Last updated at 02:26 ET

Philippine leader orders release of 43 health workers

Philippine President Benigno Aquino has ordered the release of 43 health workers accused of being communist rebels.

Mr Aquino said "their right to due process" had been denied during nearly a year in detention.

The detainees, who were arrested by the military, had begun a hunger strike to raise awareness of their plight.

Communist leaders were also demanding their release ahead of a new round of planned peace talks next year.

The chief negotiator of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Louie Jalandoni, told the BBC recently that freeing the health workers was one of several confidence-building measures that they hoped to see ahead of the talks.

The recently-installed Aquino government has agreed to re-start peace talks to try to end the 42-year insurgency by communist rebels, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Human rights

The 43 detainees were arrested in February 2010 as they attended a health workshop near Manila.

They claimed that the armed forces had planted bomb-making materials and weapons on them, and treated them badly after their arrest.

The group, known as the Morong 43, said they were denied access to lawyers and were held in isolation at a military camp.

"We recognise their right to due process was denied them," said Mr Aquino.

He said they would be freed as part of his government's commitment to human rights.

"For the first time in decades, we have a government that is serious about human rights. The culture of silence, injustice and impunity that once reigned, is now a thing of the past," he said.

Supporters of those detained said they hoped they would be freed as early as next week, and the police said they would respect the president's decision.

Negotiators from the Philippine government and the country's communist movement have agreed to resume formal peace talks in Oslo, Norway, in February next year.

If the talks go ahead, it will break a five-year hiatus in the peace process.

And here is some more information from a MIGRANTE International article: presents the good news from another angle.

http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/today.htm

President clears way for release of 'Morong 43'; orders withdrawal of charges

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said on Friday that the Department of Justice had been ordered to immediately withdraw all the charges filed against 43 health workers who were arrested in Morong, Rizal early this year, for humanitarian reasons.

The health workers, collectively called the “Morong 43,” have been under military detention since their arrest on February 6 on suspicion that they were members of the New People’s Army. Charges of illegal possession of explosives and firearms and ammunition were later filed against them with the Regional Trial Court and the Metropolitan Trial Court of Rizal.

Ochoa said a memorandum had been issued to the Department of Justice to carry out the order of President Benigno Aquino III for the “immediate withdrawal of informations against the Morong 43.”

The President’s instruction paves the way for the release of the health workers from the 10-month detention in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. The dismissal of the cases against the Morong 43 is expected with the prosecution withdrawing the informations.

“This represents the President’s commitment to respect human rights and to uphold the rule of law, a commitment that will be consistent regardless of the parties’ political affiliations,” Ochoa said.

“The quick resolution of this case is a priority of this Administration, as no one should be deprived of their liberty without sufficient basis.”

According to the Executive Secretary, Malacañang is optimistic that detainees could rejoin their loved ones in time for Christmas.

What do cuts to the Philippine education budget mean for overseas workers?

2010-11-29T00:51:00.000-05:00

Press release courtesy of: Migrante-Middle East

Some great info here and some worrying new cuts to education fundingin the Philippines:

An alliance of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East today said its members support students’ fight against the Aquino government budget cut for State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) as contained in its 2011 fiscal budget.

“Some of us or a considerable number of OFW parents are sending their sons and daughters to SUCs,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.

Monterona said the yearly tuition fee increases have forced OFW parents to transfer their college students from private colleges and universities to SUCs because they could not cope up with the yearly fees.

Monterona added that the budget cuts mean tuition fees will surely increase at the opening of classes on June 2011 in the midst of soaring prices of basic commodities and relatively low foreign exchange rate.

“Tuition fee increases, both in private and state colleges and universities, in the midst of economic upheaval with soaring prices of food, fuel, water and electricity rates and low forex would certainly put OFW parents who are sending their sons and daughters in college in dire economic situation, some would be forced to stop sending their children in schools,” Monterona added.

Monterona said most of OFW parents who are working as domestic helpers and construction workers are only receiving a monthly salary of US$ 250 to US$ 450 (Php. 10,750 to Php. 19,350).

“What will happen if SUCs will implement a 7% to 15% or even higher tuition fee increase at the opening of classes in June?” Monterona querried. “Thus, both OFW parents would later be forced to decide to work abroad, as the only option left, leaving behind their children under the care of their grandparents. This is a contributory factor weakening close family ties amongst family members who will be separated for quite some time until their children could finished college and earn a degree only to be working abroad, too.”

The increase in remittances is primarily due to the increase of the numbers of Filipino workers – Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reported that the number of workers overseas rose 13.6 percent in the first quarter to 263,129 from 231,647 in 2008.

“Sending million of Filipino workers abroad means more government fees and exactions and continued influx of remittances which are needed to keeping the local economy afloat,” Monterona explained.

Classified by type of worker, the number of land-based workers grew by 11.7 percent during the three-month period to 200,398 while the number of sea-based workers rose by 20.1 percent to 62,731.

“So it’s not a surprise if OFW remittances are even much higher than foreign direct investments in the past few years, hence the Aquino govt. will continuously rely on OFW remittances,” Monterona added.

“P-Noy is facing a tough job such as creating jobs at home and giving rightful wages to our workers so that they could send their children in schools; we are expecting from the Aquino administration an economic policy and program that is pro-worker and pro-poor,” Monterona.

The Migrante leader calls on OFW parents to encourage their children back home to support and join the fight versus SUCs budget cut and the anti-TFI campaigns lead by the National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP), Kabataan Partylist, and the League of Filipinos Students, along with their professors.

Foreign dads fear deportation

2010-11-28T23:17:00.000-05:00

We saw this article in the Winnipeg Free Press on Nov. 26, and appreciated the human face it gave to the realities facing temporary foreign workers in Canada.

By: Carol Sander

Three dads trying to support their families in the Philippines hope they won't be home for Christmas.
The temporary workers face an Immigration and Refugee Board hearing Dec. 23 after working in a gas bar in Thompson with expired work permits.
"I hope they let us stay and work," said Ermie Zotomayor, 45. "It's the only means we have to support our families," said the man with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He and his two educated co-workers -- Antonio Laroya, 45, and Arnisito Gaviola, 42 -- each paid $3,000 to a recruiter in 2007 to find them service jobs in Canada. They shared a trailer in High Prairie, Alta., and worked at a gas station and a restaurant, sending money home to their wives and children in the Philippines. Following a local downturn in the economy, they were offered similar jobs in Manitoba.

WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA

From left, Ermie Zotomayor, Antonio Laroya and Arnisito Gaviola are now in Winnipeg sleeping on the floor of a friend, awaiting their Dec. 23 immigration hearing.

The men said their prospective Thompson employer was supposed to take care of their work permits and needed them to start work right away. They went to work in February for $10 an hour, sharing an apartment in the northern city and sending the bulk of their pay home.

"We were caught in a situation where we have to do what we have to do," said Zotomayor, who's been advised not to identify the employer. "We don't want to be a burden."

On June 24, the men were arrested at their Thompson apartment by the Canada Border Services Agency and held at the RCMP detachment for eight hours.

"We were scared," Laroya said. They paid another $1,500 to an immigration consultant in Calgary to help them, not knowing they cannot work while awaiting their Dec. 23 admissibility hearing.

All three have jobs lined up in Thompson with another employer, but can't take them.

"Filipino friends in Thompson have been helping us out... giving us food (and shelter)," Zotomayor said. Now they're in Winnipeg sleeping on the floor of a friend's apartment awaiting their hearing two days before Christmas.

A fundraising dinner and dance is being held this evening at the Royal Canadian Legion on Logan Avenue for the "three amigos" as they're known in the community, said Diwa Marcelino with Bayan Manitoba. It's part of Migrante Canada, a national organization of 16 groups advocating for the rights of Filipino temporary workers.

The three amigos' case is far too common, Marcelino said.

"They were duped by employers and criminalized for trying to work and survive," he said. "Their only crime is working to provide a better life for their family."

Employers benefit from cheap, reliable labour and the workers end up losing their livelihood and being sent home, he said.

If the adjudicator decides Dec. 23 the three men have to leave Canada, they have no right to appeal, said a government spokeswoman in Vancouver.

That doesn't seem fair to Jomay Amora-Mercado, the Manitoba representative for Migrante Canada.

"They've contributed to the economy of Canada." The national body is pushing for temporary workers to have the right to apply for permanent resident status, she said.

The former temporary worker was a "Timmy's girl" at a Tim Hortons in Sherwood Park, Alta., who paid $5,000 to a recruiter for the privilege. Migrante Canada wants the federal government to change the way it issues temporary work permits so workers aren't at the mercy of a single employer, she said.

"It should be work-specific, not employer-specific," she said. When a labour market opinion proves there's a demand for workers, the worker issued the permit shouldn't be chained to a single employer in that market, Jomay said.

For information or fundraiser tickets, call 218-7100 or 414-5902.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 26, 2010 B1

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/foreign-dads-fear-deportation-110781524.html

PINAY goes to Ottawa for the first Migrante Canada Congress

2010-11-26T14:30:00.000-05:00

Seven PINAY members attended the first Migrante Canada Congress on November 21-22, 2010, a meeting intended to bring together Filipino migrant groups from across the country.

The congress will consolidated the Canadian members of Migrante International and co-ordinated advocacy campaigns and services to migrant workers in Canada. Delegates will ratified the alliance’s draft by-laws, develop a general program of action for the upcoming year and elect their board members and officers.

Migrante-International (MI) is an alliance of Filipino migrant and immigrant organizations undertaking international solidarity and advocacy work for Filipino migrants all over the world. MI dedicates itself to advancing and defending the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants and for structural changes in Philippine society that will eliminate the root causes of the export of labour and exploitation

See below the press release MI compiled about the weekend-long congress:

MIGRANTE CANADA
November 22, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIGRANTE CANADA LAUNCHED!
Calls for genuine change and unity to fight for the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants and their families.

Sixteen Filipino migrant organizations from coast to coast gathered in Ottawa, Ontario on November 20 to 21 to be part of the Founding Congress of Migrante Canada.

With the theme "Advance the struggle for genuine change: Fight for the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants and their families," delegates and observers from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Eastern Ontario, Western Ontario and the Atlantic Region approved and ratified the constitution and by-laws of Migrante Canada, agreed on a two-year General Plan of Action and united on their position, critique and recommendations on Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Migrante Canada believes that Filipino migrants deserve the greatest promotion and protection of their rights wherever they are. It recognizes that any meaningful work of arousing, organizing and mobilizing must be part and parcel of the Filipino people's struggle for national freedom and democracy.

Foremost among the specific recommendations approved at its founding congress is to advocate for the Canadian government to give temporary foreign workers who are in the current program the option to apply for permanent resident status in Canada. On work permits, delegates called on the Canadian government to make the work permits not employer-specific. Doing so will give the workers relative freedom from abusive and exploitative employers and working conditions. Migrante Canada will also launch a vigorous campaign for the Canadian government to ratify the U.N. Conventional for the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Their Families.

The Congress also passed special resolutions, one of which called on members of the Canadian parliament to reject Bill C-49. There is growing opposition among human rights and migrant advocates and grassroots organizations to the bill that ostensibly aims to address human smuggling but punishes the victims of trafficking instead. The congress also resolved to send a Canadian delegation to the Migrante International Assembly to be held in the Philippines in 2011.

Elected as Migrante Canada Executive Committee officers are Chair Maru Maesa, Vice-Chair Ana Cagas, Secretary General Christopher Sorio, Deputy Secretary General Isidro De Guzman, and Treasurer Joanne Marie Amora-Mercado. The congress also elected regional and provincial representatives to the Country Council.

In her acceptance speech, Maru Maesa asserted, "It is illusory for us to expect that the Philippine or the Canadian government, or any government for that matter, will hand us our rights on a silver platter. To be able to enjoy our rights and ensure our well being, we need to unite and fight for these. And fight we will!

Messages of solidarity and support were received from other Migrante chapters, labour unions, political representatives and Philippine sectoral organizations. The message from Filipino organizations in Southern California accurately described the significance of the Founding Congress: "This historic day signifies a firm resolve towards greater unity for the Filipino community in Canada, a unity that was built over decades of struggle, not just for our rights and welfare, but for what is right in the direction of the overall struggle of the Filipino people."

For further information please contact:

Christopher Sorio, Secretary General Migrante Canada
Tel: 416-828-0441
Email: secgenmigrantecanada@gmail.com
Website: www.migrante.ca

see pictures @ http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=29359&id=100000936512589

Yoga continues!

2010-11-26T14:23:00.000-05:00

Join us for another yoga class this Saturday night (Nov 27) at 7 p.m. at the Immigrant Worker's Centre, (4755 Van Horne, Corner Victoria, suite 110).

All levels of experience are welcome, it will be a one-hour class with Shannon.

Feel free to call or email Shannon if you have any questions: 514-576-3917 shannon.m.kiely@gmail.com

As usual, mats will be provided for those who don't have their own. If you do have your own mat, bring it along. :)

free HOT yoga class!

2010-11-10T09:52:00.000-05:00

PINAY will be having its second yoga class this Sunday, November 14 at 7:15 p.m. at Moksha Yoga Montreal - 3863 St Laurent blvd, between Pins and Duluth. The studio is on the second floor above the Pharmaprix.

The class is free! Here is a message from the teacher, Shannon:

We will be doing yoga in a heated room on Sunday night. The heat makes it really fun to do yoga because it improves circulation and encourages sweating, which is a great way to detoxify the body. You may even find yourself a little more flexible in the heat. It's really important to drink lots of water all day Sunday before coming to class. Try to keep hydrated all day (about 6-8 glasses of water would be good). Wear light clothes and be sure to bring a bottle of water and some extra towels with you. Don't worry if you don't have a mat, you can borrow one at the studio.

I am so excited to teach you guys in the heat, with the mirrors, in the quiet of the studio! If you need a lift, don't hesitate to email me ( shannon.m.kiely@gmail.com ) because we are going to be organizing a carpool I think. If not, go to st-Laurent metro and take the 55 up St-Laurent to Duluth.

Arrive around 6:55 p.m. so you will have time to change and get set up.

Again it will be an all-levels class, so all are welcome. Please give me a call or email if you have any questions!

In solidarity,

Shannon

CRARR TO ASSIST FILIPINA LIVE-IN CAREGIVERS IN BUNGLED HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATION

2010-11-10T09:42:00.000-05:00

Montreal, November 9, 2010 – CRARR has received a mandate from PINAY, a local Filipino women’s organization, to help 26 live-in caregivers whose civil rights complaint is being threatened with rejection by the Quebec human rights commission due to what many see as a badly handled investigation.
In May 2009, PINAY filed a complaint with the on behalf of 26 women who were the object of discrimination, harassment and exploitation in employment and housing by J.A., who recruited them from Asia. Alleged civil rights violations include substandard housing and health conditions; fraudulent employment contracts and employers; forced labor without compensation; harassment and intimidation including threatened deportation; restriction of mobility; rent exploitations; spurious rental contracts; and abusive legal actions against the women for nonpayment of “rent.”
All 26 caregivers, whose ordeal began upon their arrival in Montreal, filed written statements detailing their conditions of employment and housing, which were attached to the civil rights complaint. They also named in their statements, four specific individuals who worked with J.A. and who actively participated in the maintenance and perpetuation of the abusive employment and housing conditions. Moreover, these women clearly described their housing conditions which some may consider as being akin to quasi-slavery.
Due to the death of J.A. in September 2009, and the fact that the latter's agency is not a moral person, the Commission interviewed his daughter. However, since the daughter denied any involvement in her father’s affairs and properties, its investigative staff recommended that the complaint be rejected.
Apprehensive of possible bias, PINAY President Evelyn Calugay mandated CRARR to assist the organization and the 26 women dealing with what is seen as a “botched job.” After reviewing the file, CRARR found several anomalies, including the fact that there was no reference to PINAY’s May 2009 complaint. Specifically, it noted that the Commission failed to:

Explain to many of the 26 victims whom it interviewed, the remedies available to them, such as material, moral and punitive damages;

Take into account the names of at least J.A.'s four staff members who actively carried out many acts of discrimination, harassment and exploitation, who could have been held jointly responsible;

Heed the fact that J.A.’s daughter, in testimonies for rental board ligitation launched by her father against some caregivers over rent allegedly owed to him, did confirm her active and conscious participation in the management of her father’s affairs and properties;

Examine evidence that J.A.’s daughter and family relatives acted as appellants in two appeals filed in March 2010 seeking to reverse rental board decisions, that were rendered in February 2009 in favor of caregivers and against her father;

Properly identify PINAY as a complainant and send to the women’s group the Commission’s decision to investigate the case on the Commission’s own initiative;

Take into account Ms. Calugay’s report in mid-October 2010 of pressures from J.A.'s daughter and another staff member on some caregivers to withdraw their civil rights complaints – which is in and by itself a violation of Quebec human rights law.

CRARR has brought the matter to the attention of the Commission’s president regarding these investigative deficiencies and requested corrective actions.
“We are astounded by the manner in which the human rights commission mishandles our case,” said Ms. Calugay. “We have heard of bias or incompetence in investigating complaints of racial discrimination before like the Gallardo case, but this is over the top. If we cannot trust the human rights commission to be fair and protect these women from discrimination, who can we turn to for help ?” said Calugay.
In the Maria Gallardo case (which involves her son being reprimanded over his eating with a fork and a spoon in school and her being subsequently insulted for this), the Commission dismissed most of the allegations raised in the complaint filed by CRARR on behalf of the mother and the son. However, it was later discovered that the Commission met with several school board staff for their testimonies but never with the mother and the family’s witnesses. Furthermore, evidence against the boy was submitted by the school board for its defense but it was never transmitted to CRARR and the family for rebuttal.
PINAY is publicly calling upon the Filipino community, women’s groups and other social justice organizations to support its efforts to obtain civil rights protection for the 26 women. It is planning further actions to protest the double jeopardy faced by these women and other victims of racism whose cases are badly handled by the Quebec human rights commission.
CRARR will solicit support from civil rights groups in the United States that have worked on similar cases.

Gearing up to the ILO meeting on domestic work: an update

2010-11-05T13:09:00.000-04:00

A recent document giving general recommendations on Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) caught our eye and sparked our enthusiasm. The initiative is especially exciting because ICRMW is aiming to produce a final draft before the International Labor Organization (ILO) meets in March 2011 to develop worldwide labor standards and recommendations on domestic work. They want the draft approved by December so the document can influence the proceedings at the ILO.

The draft General Recommendation was developed by the Committee on the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (ICRMW) and UNIFEM.

The content of the General Recommendation is stronger than the materials so far produced from the ILO on domestic workers. We were impressed by a number of points the General Recommendation brings up. It mentions the fact that domestic work is often excluded from official state policies of law and labor codes. It draws attention to the vulnerability of migrant domestic workers throughout the process of migration, including preparation for migration, departure, transit, the duration of the stay abroad, and the return home. Widening the scope of what constitutes the experience of migrant workers exposes the abuse of the agency-industry. The document points out that women seeking work abroad as domestics are often taken advantage of by agencies through misinformation, exorbitant fees, withholding contracts, and failing to provide resources for migrants facing abuse.

Assistance for OFWs now just a click away

2010-11-05T11:49:00.000-04:00

News from Migrante International, an organization committed to defending the rights of Filipino migrants all over the world through public awareness campaigns and critique of the Philippine government's labour-export policies.

In an effort to better improve and extend the scope of its Rights and Welfare Assistance Program (RWAP) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Migrante International today launched its “TANGGOL MIGRANTE ONLINE COMPLAINT FORM.”

The online complaint form may be accessed at http://migranteinternational.org/?page_id=1187t

The effort came after the brave exposè of Hong Kong domestic worker Agnes Tenorio who recorded the rude reception of Labor Attachè Romulo Salud when she sought the help of the Philippine consulate for her plight (related news: OFWs in Hong Kong want rude labor attaché fired).

“One of our core programs is to provide our OFWs venues for their redress. Now, it is just a click away and may be accessed by OFWs all over the world,” said Gina Esguerra, Secretary General of Migrante International.

All accomplished affidavit forms will be automatically forwarded to an email address that shall be checked regularly by Migrante International’s RWAP committee.

Esguerra said, “We hope that with this tool our OFWs would be more empowered to exercise their rights. Like what Agnes did, our OFWs should be encouraged to assert their claims and to stand up and complain whenever they feel slighted or neglected.”

“With this new online tool, testimonies of our OFWs, their families and even witnesses may be used as formal affidavits when required. After we check the complaints, we shall then evaluate what assistance is needed and address them accordingly.”

Migrante International’s RWAP committee provides legal advice, psychological and counseling sessions, getting in touch with families of OFW victims and conducting dialogues and seeking audience with concerned government agencies.

Migrante International’s RWAP Hotline may also be contacted through 0921-2709079. ###

Showing your support for the Morong 43 is just an email away

2010-11-02T18:58:00.000-04:00

The National Council of Churches in the Philippines is soliciting support for their Call for the Release of the 43 Health Workers (Morong 43), who remain in detention since their arrest in February. NCCP will place this Call as a paid ad in a major newspaper(s) in the Philippines.

To support the release of the 43 detained health workers, just email your name, position and name of church/organization to: pcprnatl@gmail.com.

The deadline for the sign up is November 10, so we need to reply to NCCP by that date.

News from Domestic Workers in Hong Kong: Seminar on Women, Migration, and Human Rights

2010-11-02T18:54:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of: Mission for Migrant Workers, Hong Kong

More than a hundred women migrant workers from various organizations and union chapters attended the Seminar on Women, Migration and Human Rights held on 12 September 2010 at the Li Hall of the St John’s Cathedral in Hong Kong. The well-attended seminar was co-sponsored by the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) and Gabriela Hong Kong.

The MFMW conducted the seminar in order to educate Filipino migrant women on how their condition as migrants and women can be situated in the overall condition of Filipino women. It also aimed to promote the importance of organizing Filipino migrant women in order to enable their empowerment for the protection of their rights.

Seminar speakers composed of grassroots women leaders – Rowena dela Cruz of GABRIELA-HK and Dolores Balladares of the United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK) – first outlined the situation the situation of the Filipino women in the Philippine society focusing mainly on women from the sectors such as peasants and workers. From this situation, they explained the root causes of women’s oppression and explained that three layers of oppression – national, class and gender – as well as the authorities that define the condition of Filipino women.

They then related this condition to what Filipino women workers face in Hong Kong especially on the major issues and concerns they face including the exclusion from the Statutory Minimum Wage or SMW, the New Conditions of Stay (NCS) more known as the Two-Week Rule, the lack of protection and services of the Philippine government to women migrants, violence against women migrants, and the non-recognition of domestic work as work in Hong Kong.

After the inputs, participants actively shared their views on what were discussed and also asked questions to the speakers.

Some of the comments shared included the experience of one woman who felt empowered after taking an active part in her organization. She related how she used to be timid and afraid to voice out her ideas and opinions in her workplace and even in her family. Still another participant asked how lesbians could be situated in the whole picture of Filipino women.

Other participants pointed that it is very essential to know the rights of women and their contribution to their society and in the country where they are working.

Finally, a discussion was conducted on how organizations of women migrants should be further strengthened and expanded. The participants all agreed that such a seminar needed to be echoed to more of their members and to the larger community of Filipino women migrants in order to pave the way for women to realize the need to struggle for their rights and their freedom from all forms of exploitation and oppression.

As what one woman said, “We must be an active participant in paving the liberation of women from oppression that is very much linked to the emancipation of our people.

With this thought, the participants left the seminar with renewed vigor to further develop the women migrant worker’s movement in Hong Kong towards meaningful societal changes for women, for migrant workers and for the Filipino people.

Halloween bash success

2010-11-02T18:34:00.000-04:00

PINAY members and supporters boogied down on Saturday night to raise funds for caregiver advocacy in Montreal.

Here are some photos from the party.

Rally at Philippine Embassy in Ottawa to demand freedom for Morong 43

2010-11-01T22:30:00.001-04:00

November 6, 2010, marks the ninth month of illegal detention for 43 Filipino health workers, a group known as the Morong 43, which includes two nursing mothers. The Council for Health and Development, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, the Health Alliance for Democracy and Bayan Philippines are calling for coordinated actions world-wide to put pressure on the Aquino government to release the 43. See their appeal statement below.

We are planning to hold actions across Canada for this event. This Friday, November 5 in the afternoon (which will already be the Nov. 6 in the Philippines) BAYAN Canada organizations and supporters will be holding a protest rally in front of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa between 4 pm and 5 pm. We will be presenting petitions calling to free the 43 signed by more than 140 health professionals. Volunteers for a delegation to present the petition to the Embassy are welcomed.

We are calling on all our member organizations, friends and solidarity groups to take half a day and to come out to support the demonstration. In Montreal, we are car pooling to Ottawa and will be leaving the city by 1 pm. For those who wish to come along please email or call me at the number below before Thursday to reserve seats or offer to drive a group with your vehicle.

We hope to see you with us on Friday, November 5, 2010.

Joey Calugay
+1 514-947-3662

= = = =

November 6, 2010 marks the ninth month in detention of the Morong 43.

On February 6, 2010, over 300 elements of the 202 Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) raided the farmhouse of Professor Emeritus of the College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines, Dr. Melecia Velmonte. The AFP and the Philippine National Police arrested 43 health workers on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The state forces used a defective warrant and planted evidence to justify the arrest of the 43. The health workers were subjected to physical and psychological torture, denied counsel and visits and subjected to various indignities will inside a military camp. They have since been known as the “Morong 43”.

Bayan is calling for an internationally – coordinated action to press Pres. Benigno Aquino

III for the immediate and unconditional release of these community health workers who are now detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, Rizal.

The Philippine Department of Justice has submitted its review and recommendations to the Philippine President. The Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Leila de Lima has indicated that her recommendations should lead to the release of the detainees.

Aquino himself has admitted that the search warrant was defective. Furthermore, the evidence “wrongly gotten cannot be used, and therefore ( cases ) cannot prosper”. However, he said that the release of the health workers will have to be sanctioned by the courts.

Despite his admission, Aquino has yet to act on the DOJ recommendations.

The advocates of the 43 have suggested that President Aquino direct the Department of Justice to file a motion withdrawing the criminal charges against the 43 before the Morong Regional Trial Court and the Metropolitan Trial Court . The courts would have no choice but to release the 43.

Aquino’s statements on the 43 comes in the wake of his granting of amnesty to some 300 rebel soldiers who were detained by the Arroyo regime. Many have asked why the detained health workers have not been released given that there is really no case against them and that their constitutional rights were violated.

Two women detainees have already given birth during detention. Judilyn Oliveros gave birth in July 2010 while Mercy Castro gave birth this October. Both are under hospital arrest at the Philippine General Hospital. Both mothers have fought for their right to breastfeed their babies.

Various well-known international organizations have sent letters of appeals to Aquino for the release of the 43, to cite a few: World Council of Churches, World Student Christian Federation, the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, the Japan Lawyers Intl Solidarity Association, the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Canada, and many more.

Let us continue to press the Aquino regime to act to rectify the historic injustices committed by the US – Arroyo regime and to respect all the rights of the Morong 43 as well as all political prisoners in the Philippines.

On November 6, 2010, various organizations will converge at Camp Bagong Diwa where the health workers are being detained and hold a protest action, religious service and short program. Allies and supporters of the 43 health workers are expected to attend the gathering.

We appeal to friends and organizations abroad to launch actions at the Philippine embassies and consulates to press for the release of the 43 health workers. ###

PINAY Halloween party fundraiser

2010-10-26T13:57:00.000-04:00

Come join us on Saturday, October 30 for a Halloween party fundraiser at IWC! Be sure to wear a costume. Snacks will be provided.

All welcome!

Details:
Location: Immigrant Workers' Centre
Address: 4755 Van Horne, suite 110 (Metro Plamondon)
Start time: 9 p.m.
Suggested donation: $5

Poetry against the increase in e-passport fees

2010-09-23T11:14:00.000-04:00

In early 2010, the Arroyo administration increased the passport processing fee in Philippine embassies and consulates abroad. The hike in processing fees for Filipinos abroad was significantly higher than the increase in feed for passports processed in the Philippines. From only P550, the DFA now charges P950, or $21 for the issuance of a Philippine passport. However, the same passport costs $60 (about P2,712) when it is processed abroad. Read more here.

PINAY joins with our international allies in calling to stop the increase in e-passport fees. The costs place an extra burden on overseas workers and fees should not be allocated selectively.

Passport Revolt
Ni Kislap Alitaptap
22 Hulyo 2010

Passport,
Kailangan mo nito,
Upang makapasok sa airport,
Upang makasakay ng eroplano,
Upang makalusot sa mga tsekpoynt,
Sa mga bansang iyong pinapasok,
Upang sumubok na umabot
Ng ginhawang sa ating Baya’y
‘Di maarok-arok, magpalit man
Nang magpalit ang mga nakaluklok.

Nang si Romulo’t Arroyo ay nagkautak Piso,
Nilagyan nila ng ‘E’ ang simula ng passport mo.
DFA at BCA, sa BOT ay nagkasundo,
“E-passport ay handog sa mga OFW.”

“Romulo” ang sundot ni Arroyo
“Kung gusto mong magkaroon
Ng may-Milyong bagong taon,
Talikuran mo na ang BOT sa BCA,
Sa Oberthure, tayo, ay mag-all the way.”

Kaya ang 550 ay naging 750,
Ang 750 ay naging 950,
Ang 950 ay naging, isang libo mahigit!
At nang ikaw na OFW, sa dagdag-singil ay nagalit,
“Mahal ang magpalaminate, nagmahal ang microchip.”

E-passport, E-perwisyo!
E-passport, E-kotong sa mga OFW!

Passport,
Kailangan mo nito
Upang hindi ma-deport.
Ngunit hindi mo ito
Kailangan, upang mag-revolt! #

--
http://migrantecampaign.ning.com/
http://migranteinternational.org/
#10 Banuyo St.Brgy.Amihan, Project 3, Quezon City
Telefax: +632 911-4910

PINAY supoprts the immediate release of Morong 43 mother and newborn son

2010-09-23T10:23:00.000-04:00

PINAY joins in solidarity with KARAPATAN, Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights, in Quezon City, PHILIPPINES, in calling for the immediate release of Ms. Carina Oliveros, one of the Morong 43 detainees, and her newborn son.

Judilyn Oliveros of the Morong 43 is taken from the hospital and returned to the BJMP detention facility in Bicutan. She is handcuffed and brought out on a wheelchair. She is unable to hold her newborn baby. The Morong RTC denied her motion for release despite the DOJ's withdrawal of its opposition. Both mother and child are now inside the Bicutan facility. Photo by Dr. Geneve Rivera, HEAD

Karapatan strongly calls for the immediate release of the 43 illegally detained health workers, collectively known as Morong 43, starting with the release of Carina "Judilyn" Oliveros who gave birth to a baby boy on July 22, 2010 at the Philippine General Hospital.

Oliveros should be immediately released with her baby and we strongly protest the planned separation of mother from child. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officers at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City are planning to take back to the Camp on Monday, August 3, the mother, Judilyn Oliveros, who belongs to the illegally detained health workers or the Morong 43, without the baby because they said that babies are prohibited from being reared inside the detention cell.

We completely agree that conditions in the detention are not good for the baby AS WELL AS FOR THE NURSING MOTHER; and that is why we STRONGLY CALL for the IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF JUDILYN OLIVEROS AND HER BABY! The continuous detention of the health workers or the Morong 43, is in itself already very tenuous, I don’t know how the courts can legally defend such a violation! And then this dispensation will further aggravate the situation by cruelly separating the baby from his source of nourishment, love and comfort, practically violating the baby’s basic rights.

Upon a decision by the Morong Regional Trial Court Branch 78, Judge Gina Cenat Escoto, Oliveros was brought to the Philippine General Hospital for a caesarean delivery of her son, as availability of better and adequate medical facilities are present at the PGH. Attending obstetrician, Dr. Orlino Talens also recommended that Oliveros stay in the hospital for a week to prevent postoperative complications.

Baby boy Oliveros is just over a week old and it is most cruel to have him separated from his mother; I completely know this as I delivered my firstborn myself when I was imprisoned during martial law. I and my fellow political prisoners did not allow my baby to be separated from me. We call on Secretary De Lima not allow this injustice to happen

We strongly appeal to you to join us in our calls - Free Judilyn and her child, free all the political prisoners.

In defense of human rights,

(SGD) MARIE HILAO-ENRIQUEZ,
Chairperson
KARAPATAN

PINAY panelists to speak after a matinee performance of "People Power"

2010-09-22T15:29:00.001-04:00

PROSPERITY OR EXODUS: HOW HAS CANADA BENEFITED AFTER THE PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION IN THE PHILIPPINES?

Saturday, September 25 • 3:30 p.m.

Location Studio Hydro Quebec - Le Monument National

1182, boul. Saint-Laurent

Montreal, QC

*** FREE***

Following the 2:00 pm FREE Journée de la Culture performance of PEOPLE POWER written by Toronto’s CBT Collective directed by Nina Lee Aquino

......

PANELISTS:

Evelyn Calugay, PINAY, Philippine Women's Organization of Québec
Paolo De Leon, President of McGill University Filipino-Asian Students Association (MUFASA)
Marie Boti, filmmaker, member Centre for Philippine Concerns

Representative from the Caregiver Community TBA

Moderator: Tess Tesalona, International Migrants Alliance

Actors play multiple characters in PEOPLE POWER

Where the play’s wisdom ends, the audiences’ wisdom begins, and at Teesri Duniya Theatre we take this maxim to heart as we link art to civic dialogue to build cultural bridges and to increase interaction among cultures. Today, the play PEOPLE POWER takes on a whole new meaning as there is a brand new President in the Philippines. Benigno "Nonoy" Aquino III is the son of Corazon Aquino, who replaced dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. Are the dreams of the people about to be realized? Join our post-play dialogues on issues arising from the play and beyond.

TEESRI DUNIYA THEATRE OPENS ITS 30th SEASON of POWERFUL - PROVOCATIVE - PERSONAL original Canadian plays with PEOPLE POWER - created by CBT Collective and directed by Nina Lee Aquino

Set against the backdrop of the 1986 Philippine People Power Revolution, PEOPLE POWER is a powerful portrayal of the peaceful revolution that ultimately toppled the violent and corrupt Marcos dictatorship. A collective creation by the Carlos Bulosan Theatre Collective, PEOPLE POWER uses movement, music, percus...sion and poetry to tell this dynamic and inspirational story. From the bullet that assassinated opposition leader Ninoy Aquino, to the click of a journalist’s camera, performers Leon Aureus, Aura Carcueva, Nicco Lorenzo Garcia, Christine Mangosing, and Nadine Villasin, all Filipino Canadians, capture a nation in transition and the triumph of the Filipino spirit.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 @ 8:30pm (2 for 1 for students)
Thursday, September 23, 2010 @ 8:30pm
Friday, September 24, 2010 @ 8:30pm
Saturday, September 25, 2010 @ 8:30pm
Sunday, September 26, 2010 @ 2:00pm
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 8:30pm
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 8:30pm
Friday, October 1, 2010 @ 8:30pm
Saturday, October 2, 2010 @ 2:00pm and 8:30pm

For more info please visit www.teesriduniya.com
Tickets: Adult $22, Senior $20, Student $15, Group (10 or more) $14.
Box office: 514-871-2224 or http://www.monument-national.qc.ca/

PEOPLE POWER uses percussion, song, audience interaction, and multi-purpose props to tell the story of a country in revolution

Candlelit vigil for the 43 illegally imprisoned healthcare workers

2010-09-20T15:31:00.000-04:00

PINAY members and allies held a candlelit vigil Friday night at Mackenzie Park in solidarity with the 43 imprisoned healthcare workers in the Philippines, collectively known has the Morong 43. Attendees were led in prayer by Father Artemo Calaycay and left their candles at the foot of the statue when the vigil was over.

The Montreal candlelit vigil coincided with numerous protests by illegally detained political prisoners across the Philippines pressuring the government to release the Morong 43 and all political prisoners.

The Morong 43 have been in prison since February when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) raided the house in Morong, Rizal where they were undergoing disaster-preparedness training. The healthcare workers were arrested for allegedly being part of an anti-government faction and accused of participating in bomb-making training.

“People out there need healthcare. It shouldn’t be seen as a crime, it should be seen as a service,” Joey Calugay said at the event.

One of the healthcare workers, Judilyn Oliveros, gave birth to a baby boy while she was imprisoned. After extensive lobbying by activist groups across the globe, the Aquino government allowed her to remain in the hospital to breastfeed her son for three months. Once the three months are over, she will return to prison. Another pregnant woman is among the 43 arrested health workers; Mercy Castro is due to give birth in October.

PINAY joins with activist groups worldwide in denouncing the detainment of the 43 healthcare workers and pushing for their immediate release.

The candlelit vigil was followed by a film screening of the Ma Luisa Posa "Luing" Dominado Story, a film by Malcolm Guy and Marie Boti. The film told the story of Luing, a friend Macolm and Marie made while they were in the Philippines shooting documentaries in the 1980s. Luing was abducted from the island of Panay in 2007 and no trace of her has been found since.

Marie introduced the film by reiterating the importance of what people like Luing are fighting for. “Democracy in the Philippines is still nowhere to be heard of,” Marie said.

After the film, Émile, who is twenty years old, shared details of his month-long exposure trip to the Philippines this past winter. He integrated into mass movement groups while he was in the Philippines including KMU, League of Filipino Students, Bayan, and the Center for Environmental Concerns. He shared stories with the film audience of helping to gather data on the environmental and social costs of foreign mines in the Philippines. Emile left feeling inspired by the persistence and courage of the people he met in the Philippines. “Just to witness the hope that people have there is a beautiful thing,” he said. To read more about Emile’s adventures, click here: http://cap-cpc.blogspot.com/p/philippines-les-aventures-demile.html

Emily Misola-Richard, a law student volunteer with PINAY also chimed in during the discussion period with her thoughts about political imprisonment in the Philippines. She spent three months of last summer interning at the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Quezon City. While she was there, she stayed with Lorena, whose story was also featured in Marie’s film. Emily was hoping her trip would help her learn more about political prisoners, and was shocked when she discovered that Lorena’s father was abducted. “Isn’t this supposed to be martial law stuff? But you see that it’s still really prevalent,” Emily said. Lorena’s mother lived underground for years in fear of being found and imprisoned for her activism. A few years ago, she was abducted when she went to a clinic for medical treatment. She has since been released but has again decided to go underground.

PINAY is joining with the Center for Philippine Concerns in circulating a letter urging the Philippine government to release the Morong 43. The first wave of lobbying will come from Canadian healthcare workers. We are hoping to get 100 signatures as quickly as possible. If you are a healthcare worker (nurse, doctor, orderly, midwife, social worker in a hospital, or hospital administrator), please email us as pinaycan@yahoo.ca to let us know you are interested (link to the letter will be posted shortly). Retired healthcare workers are also welcome to sign.

The costs of the LCP: who should pay?

2010-09-20T15:23:00.000-04:00

PINAY takes issue with the way recent changes to the LCP have been portrayed by certain media outlets. We find analysis focusing on the potential financial costs incurred by Canadian families as a result of the changes particularly problematic. In April, Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney shifted the costs of immigration for caregivers entirely to their Canadian employers. This includes travel costs, medical insurance, worker’s compensation premiums and all employee recruitment costs. A newswire article and one of Free Press Release also fail to weigh the new financial burden on families against what caregivers must pay and endure to go through the LCP.

We find it amazing that these articles cry foul when there is minute change in government policy that gives a little breathing room to already oppressed people from an oppressed nation who are being peddled by their country of origin cheaper than bananas. These changes do not bring relief to caregivers because the core of the problem is still alive.

The only change that matters to them is the extension of their jail term from three years to four years. A jail term they do not understand or what crime they committed to be subjected to it. Before these changes were implemented, we didn’t hear about Canadian families who were benefiting the most from this program. Now, that their "profit" from their investment will be declining in a very negligible rate, their voices are being heard loud and clear.

PINAY has been screaming for years about caregivers with precarious status in Canada being exploited and individual charter of rights being violated, only a few listened. Where were these moaners when these caregivers were being exploited, being used like a milking cow by agencies, sending countries and host countries? Milk that has been loaned from sharks just to help their families and themselves survive.

Eighty six percent of newly-arrived caregivers spend six months to a year without work while they look for an employer or wait on work permits that are processed at a snail’s pace. Once they do find work, caregivers find themselves working till they drop to keep those milkers living life comfortably.

These articles do get one thing right: the development of this particular immigration structure is not balance. This is reality in a Capitalist society.

Montreal International Women’s Conference concludes with the founding of the International Women’s Alliance

2010-08-19T08:21:00.001-04:00

Press Release - Montréal, Québec, August 16, 2010 -- Further momentum was generated towards a global, militant women’s movement with the establishment of an International Women’s Alliance (IWA) this afternoon following the Montreal International Women’s Conference (MIWC).

Today marked the Founding Assembly of the International Women's Alliance after an immensely successful two-day conference, uniting more than 350 participants from 32 countries, including Pakistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Mali, the Czech Republic, Germany, Cuba, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Mexico.

From August 13 to 15, delegates participated in plenaries, workshops, and discussions surrounding a wide variety of themes, including indigenous struggles, developmental aggression, violence against women, racism, discrimination and genocide, as well as resistance to wars and imperialist aggression.

During a plenary session on Saturday, April 14, delegates unanimously endorsed a declaration in support of the 490 Tamils from Sri Lanka who arrived aboard the MV Sun Sea in Vancouver, Canada, decrying their ongoing detention while calling upon the Canadian government to accept them as refugees.

In addition, participants also affirmed their solidarity with the Algonquin indigenous community of Barrière Lake, Québec, while calling for the release of the 43 health workers illegally detained in the Philippines.

The Conference was followed by the founding of the International Women’s Alliance on August 16 in order to foster the creation and coordination of local, regional and international campaigns, to promote mutual support and the sharing of resistance strategies, and to mobilize women around the world in the struggle against imperialism, violence and capitalist globalization.

Discussions unfolded surrounding the Basis of Unity, as participants advanced numerous resolutions, including ones highlighting the struggles faced by women in Palestine and upholding the role of women as defenders of Pachamama (Mother Earth).

The Constitution and Basis of Unity will be adopted at the time of the first General Assembly of the International Women’s Alliance, projected to take place within a year’s time in order to carry on with the important work of the conference. An international coordinating committee has been set up to prepare the IWA General Assembly.

A list of all resolutions, along with the proposed Basis of Unity, will be available within the next few weeks. Complete speakers’ bios, conference details, the workshop program and more can be found on the conference blog at http://miwc2010.wordpress.com/.

The initiative for the MIWC and IWA came out of a resolution of the women’s commission of the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS) which met during the 3rd International Assembly of the ILPS in Hong Kong in 2008.

For more information, to arrange interviews with conference organizers and/or international delegates, please contact:

Marie Boti (en français) +1 514-568-8746 * Tess Tesalona (English) +1 514-655-3142 * Rita Acosta (español) +1 514-550-7182 * MIWC Media Committee +1 514-961-4047

Satur Ocampo at mga magsasaka / Senatorial candidate Satur Ocampo supports struggle of Philippine farmers (in Filipino)

2010-03-30T10:39:00.001-04:00

Justice served for Montreal live-in caregiver after long and arduous fight

2010-01-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

PINAY Press Statement
For immediate release

Montréal, January 28, 2010 -- A Filipino caregiver finally received favourable judgement two years after filing a law suit against her employer in Quebec court for defamation. As a temporary worker in Canada’s Live-in Caregiver Program, her experience is but one example of the oppressive and exploitative situations that caregivers can endure.

The caregiver approached PINAY, a Filipino woman’s organization in Quebec, for assistance in March 2006. She was unceremoniously fired by her employer and was not given proper notice. A complaint was submitted to the Commission des normes du travail (CNT) for unpaid overtime. During the investigation process the employer agreed to a settlement. At this time, the caregiver applied for employment insurance while she looked for another employer. Human Resource refused her application for employment insurance because of the specificity of the employer written on her work permit. PINAY with the assistance of law students and legal counsel assisted her in contesting HRSDC’s decision and requested her case to be heard by a board of referee. She was represented by Me. Francois Cyr from Ouillet, Nadon Lawyers Collective. She was eventually handed a favourable decision.

The worst situation she found herself in was when she lost her dignity and reputation when she found out that a statement has been made against her without solid basis. This experience made her decides to fight her violated right in court and lead to this favourable judgment handed down by Quebec Court.

A recent announcement by minister of Immigration, Jason Kenny, outlined the changes the government is putting forward for the Live-in Caregiver Program. The changes are intended to improve the lives and working conditions of foreign live-in caregivers in Canada. After decades of painstaking advocacy work and organizing campaign demanding that the government of Canada take action to address the abuse and exploitation faced by many live-in caregivers, PINAY along with Filipino community organizations, other Canadians across the country see these recent announcements as step forward.

But PINAY believes that much of the changes need more scrutiny as they do not touch the core of the problem inherent within the program. The changes do not outline, for instance, how these new laws are to be enforced and how employers and placement agencies are to be monitored to ensure that the abuses stop. Without any assurance that the abusive conditions can no longer occur in the private homes of employers, extending the amount of years for caregivers to gain 24 months of live-in work (which is a proposed change supposedly to address the issue of many LCP workers not being able to finish this requirement within the allotted 3 year period) is tantamount to extending their stay in purgatory and potentially extending the amount of time they must endure oppressive situations.

Then there is the responsibility of the sending countries, like the Philippine government who is responsible for the plight of Overseas Filipino Workers and their failure to provide protection for their rights and welfare. The $14+ billion remittance that Filipino migrants send home each year is like manna from heaven for countries like the Philippines who are mired in foreign debt. Remittances from migrants are huge income for governments and the Philippine government needs this for debt. So instead of creating meaningful jobs and development for the country, Philippines have whole-heartedly implemented its labour export as a policy.

Migration is now being touted as the model for international development; you can hear this being peddled in inter-government venues like the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) that will be holding its fourth international meeting in Mexico in November of this year. But while western governments “harmonize” their immigration policies to suit their labour needs, the cost of the globalized trade in labourers has its impact for the people of the global south. Take this caregiver who had to fight to clear her name for example and multiply her experience by millions, add on sexual and physical assault along with the dehumanizing psychological terror she endured and you will get the sum of the human cost that this model of “development” imposes on the working poor.

Ref; Evelyn Calugay +1 (514) 364-9833 or pinaycan[at]yahoo[dot]com

Pour publication immédiate

Des travailleuses domestiques portent plainte contre leur agence de placement

21 décembre 2009

Un groupe de 26 aides familiaux résidants, avec le soutien de leur association, PINAY – l’organisation des femmes philippines du Québec, ont déposé une plainte formelle à la Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse contre une agence de placement montréalaise. La plainte écrite s’adresse à une compagnie de consultation en immigration nommée Super Nanny.

L’agence avait chargé des frais exorbitants aux femmes pour la recherche d’un employeur dans le cadre du programme fédéral d’aides familiaux résidants (PAFR), mais celles-ci se sont retrouvées sans emploi à leur arrivée au pays. Le propriétaire de l’agence les a alors installées dans des logements de condition déplorable et les a obligées à signer un bail pendant qu’il était supposément à la recherche de nouveaux employeurs.

Prises dans une position précaire, les femmes se sont tournées vers PINAY pour de l’aide. « Ces travailleuses domestiques risquent toutes sortes d’abus et d’exploitation », explique Evelyn Caluguay, présidente de PINAY. « Elles sont des cibles faciles pour les recruteurs et les agences de placement sans scrupules parce qu’elles veulent à tout prix un travail à l’étranger. Particulièrement au Canada, où on les fait marcher à la carotte avec la possibilité de devenir résidente permanente.»

Selon le programme actuel, les aides familiaux doivent compléter 24 mois de travail dans une période de 36 mois avant de présenter une demande de résidence permanente. Cependant, plusieurs sont incapables de compléter ces 24 mois car elles se trouvent dans une situation semblable à celle des 26 femmes qui ont porté plainte. À leur arrivée à Montréal, elles ont été informées que leurs employeurs s’étaient désistés et ont été obligées de travailler illégalement (c’est-à-dire sans permis de travail) pour divers clients, sous prétexte que c’était ce que l’agence appelait des « périodes d’essai ». La supercherie de l’agence a été révélée lorsque le terme de 3 ans approchait et les femmes ont découvert que ces « périodes d’essai » ne comptaient pas comme du travail légitime.

Le ministre de la Citoyenneté, de l'Immigration et du Multiculturalisme, Jason Kenney, a récemment annoncé que le gouvernement mettrait de l’avant une proposition interdisant aux agences d’exiger des frais de placement et obligeant les employeurs à subventionner tous les frais associés à l’embauche de ces travailleurs, incluant le prix du billet d’avion pour venir au Canada.

« Bien que nous accueillons l’initiative du gouvernement comme étant un pas positif vers la protection des droits des travailleurs immigrants au Canada, nous restons vigilants dans ces circonstances », explique Caluguay. « Même si la proposition est adoptée au Parlement, il reste à voir comment les provinces mettront ces mesuresen œuvre. De même, la vulnérabilité des aides familiaux résidants provient surtout du fait qu’ils soient obligés de vivre dans la maison de leur employeur et que leur statut au Canda est lié à ce même employeur. Les changements proposés sont encore loin de leur offrir une protection adéquate. »

PINAY demande à ce que la Commission des droits de la personne enquête dans le cas de ces 26 travailleuses domestiques pour violation de leurs droits d’après divers articles de la Charte et que des actions immédiates soient prises pour mettre fin à la discrimination et à l’exploitation de ces femmes. PINAY tiendra une conférence de presse le mardi 22 décembre à 11h30 au 6420 avenue Victoria, suite #9.

Référence : Evelyn Calugay (514) 364-9833.

Rose Bowl in Montréal - have fun and support PINAY as 2010 gets underway

2010-01-17T12:46:00.000-05:00

INVITATION to our VALUED PINAY MEMBERS, ALLIES AND FRIENDS

B O W L I N G @ the Rose Bowl in Montreal
January 24, 2010
3:00 pm

It’s time to treat our self again, have fun, sort of exercise, socialize, bonding and help support the operations of PINAY. Join us and please come on time. Thank you.

Herewith are the details of the direction (bus/car) to Rose Bowl in St-Jacques.
address: 6510 St-Jacques, Montreal
phone: 514-482-7200

From Vendome Metro, take the 90 bus to St-Jacques and Cavendish stop, and cross Cavendish.

Les masqués de la discrimination

2009-06-01T14:04:00.000-04:00

Stéphane Baillargeon
Le Devoir

Des travailleuses domestiques manifestent pour recevoir la protection de la Loi sur la santé et la sécurité au travail (Photo: Jacques Grenier)

Malgré les demandes répétées de modifications de la loi, les aides domestiques du Québec, majoritairement originaires des Philippines, sont toujours exclues du régime de la santé et de la sécurité au travail. Elles manifestaient de nouveau hier contre cette situation jugée discriminatoire.

À peine deux douzaines de personnes ont manifesté hier matin au parc Nelson-Mandela de Montréal, contre l'exclusion des travailleuses domestiques du régime de santé et de sécurité au travail. Cette discrimination a été présentée comme un «apartheid social», d'où le choix symbolique du lieu de la manifestation.

La Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse a également parlé d'une discrimination grave dans un avis déposé en décembre dernier. L'organisme a même évoqué une triple faute fondamentale puisque les personnes touchées sont écartées de la protection légale pour des raisons de sexe (il s'agit surtout de femmes), de condition sociale (elles sont pauvres) et d'origine ethnique (elles viennent très souvent des Philippines).

Pour la suite voir: http://www.ledevoir.com/2009/06/01/253006.html
_____

PINAY update

2008-12-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas Party was held at 6767 Cote Des Neiges in Montréal last Sunday, December 7, 2008. It was a fun-filled night with singing, dancing , games and Santa Sid came with gifts for kids. .
There were lots of delicious food donated by members and supporters and Pinay supplied a lechon.
Congrats to the raffle winners :
First Prize - Wii: Alexa, Thelma's granddaughter
Second Prize - PS: Mark Sibuyan
Third Prize - Cell Phone: Nina Hussein

November 20, 2008 General Assembly was well attended.
NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS:
EVELYN CALUGAY - Chairperson
JOSEPHINE CALUGAY - Vice-Chairperson
DELIA DE VEYRA - Chair, Finance and Organizing Committee
THELMA CASTRO - Chair, Education Committee

PINAY launched the Survey Questionnaire on Health and Safety with Dr. Jill Hanley on November 9, 2008.

March 1, 2008 International Women's Day Celebration

2008-01-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

PINAY will celebrate International Women's Day with March 8th Committee of Diverse Origin on Saturday March 1st , from 9 AM - 6 PM at University of Montreal , 3200 Ave. Jean Brillant-Salle B 2325
Theme: WOMEN TAKE BACK DEMOCRATIC SPACE
Our invited guests will break through the mainstream media and government facades to bring reality directly to us. Conception Regalado-Bragas, Chair of Migrante International would be one the international invited speakers.

Any one interested to join committee please attend meeting at Immigrant Workers Centre on Saturday January 12th at 10 AM contact IWC at 514 342 2111.

Coni Ledesma visits with PINAY

2008-01-09T13:28:00.000-05:00

Book Launching by Chit Bautista

2007-10-29T17:57:00.000-04:00

In 1989, Florchita “Chit” Bautista, along with like-minded Filipinos doing work among migrants, established AWARE, a volunteer endeavour to reach out to Filipino domestic workers who came to Canada under the Foreign Domestic Movement Program (now the Live-In Caregiver Program). AWARE undertook educational and supportive workshops to facilitate adjustment to life in Canada and to inform the participants (mainly women) of their rights.
Date: SUNDAY October 28, 2007 AT 2:00 P.M.
Venue: Project Genesis-4735 Cote st. Catherine Street,
Montreal (entrance by Victoria St.) COTE STE. CATHERINE METRO
Organized by : PINAY (First Filipino Women's Organization in Quebec)
(LCP FOCUS GROUP IS ALSO A MEMBER OF QPIRG CONCORDIA WORKING GROUP)QPIRG Concordia1500 de Maisonneuve Ouest, suite #204, Mtl, QC> Mailing Address/Courriel:> 1455 de Maisonneuve Ouest, A404, Mtl, QC, H3G 1M8> Tél: (514) 848-7585> Fax: (514) 848-7584> email: qpirgcore@riseup.net
ALL ARE WELCOME!
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY

Event: Fighting Back Against Poverty: A Filipino Women's Perspective

2007-03-01T19:53:00.000-05:00

Another event for International Women's Day:

Fighting Back Against Poverty: A Filipino Woman' s Perspective

with Jasmin dela Calzada of PINAY

When: Friday, March 9, 4-6 pm
Where: Project Genesis (4735 Côte-St-Cathérine, Metro Côte-St-Cathérine)

Childcare is available - please contact aaron@genese.qc.ca

Demonstration for International Women's Day

2007-03-01T19:47:00.000-05:00

Come join PINAY and the March 8th Coordination and Action Committee of Women of Diverse Origins for this year's Demonstration for International Women's Day!

When: Thursday, March 8 at 6pm
Where: Place Emilie Gamelin/Berri Square (Corner of Berri & St-Catherine, Metro Berri-UQAM)

We will be walking to Phillips Square.

All are welcome!
Bring banners, drums, noise-makers, and etc.

Reclaiming the Roots of Feminist Resistance Conference

2007-03-01T19:28:00.001-05:00

International Women's Day Event:

Reclaiming the Roots of Feminist Resistance

On March 10, 2007, for the sixth year in a row, the March 8th Coordination and Action Committee of Women of Diverse Origins will be hosting a public forum to celebrate International Women's Day. Our theme, "Reclaiming the Roots of Feminist Resistance: Remembering the Past, Looking to the Future" addresses the rising tide of anti-feminist sentiment, here and around the world. There is an assumption that gender equality has been achieved. The lives of First Nations, refugees and immigrants, workers squeezed by globalizing economies, victims of police brutality, human rights violations and of violence against women and children, reveal a different picture. We urgently need to remember and draw lessons from feminist struggles, past and present, which have demonstrated the interconnectedness between gender, social and economic inequalities.

The assumption that gender equality has been achieved in the West, that it is women from 'other' cultures or countries who need protection (as with the recent declaration of Herouxville), is false, racist, and patronizing. These presumptions obscure the reality that patriarchy is alive and well here; that imperialist violence by our governments, coupled with economic globalization, destroys the lives of women and their families in many other parts of the world. In Canada, the federal government's cutbacks to the Status of Women, the Court Challenges Program, and the Québec government's proposed policy changes requiring organizations that work with immigrants violate confidentiality, will prevent the most vulnerable, often women, from accessing their rights.

On March 10, Coni Ledesma of the Philippines, Hazel Hill of Six Nations, Shahrzad Mojab who works on gender and NGOs, Magali X Djehuty-Thot, a Haitian Montrealer activist, and Martin Dufresne of Montreal Men Against Sexism, along with many others, will address these issues and make the connections between Kathmandu, Kandahar, Caledonia, Haiti, Latin America, and Montreal. Local organizations will present information and displays.

When: Saturday, March 10, 2007, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Lunch is provided.
Where: Université de Montréal, 3200 Jean-Brillant, 2nd floor (Métro Côte-des-Neiges)
Suggested Donation: $5
Childcare is available.

Hope to see many of you there!
Reclaim feminism, celebrate resistance on 10th March!

PINAY is on the internet!

2007-03-01T19:05:00.000-05:00

Hello friends and allies,

At long last, PINAY is on the internet! We have set up this preliminary blog to distribute our newsletter, post news stories and events, and keep you all posted about what's going on with us!

But first - some background?

Who is PINAY?

PINAY is a Filipino women's organization in Quebec that was created in 1991 with the aim of organizing and empowering Filipino women in Montreal. It was founded by a social worker doing research on the needs and concerns of Filipino domestic workers. Most of the members are migrant workers working within the Canadian government's Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP). For 16 years, PINAY has brought domestic workers and their supporters together in the struggle for the basic rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

What does PINAY do?

The primary objectives of PINAY include advocacy and promotion of the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers, mainly those under the LCP. We provide workshops and education for workers on their rights regarding labour standards and immigration policies, and we raise awareness about the history of the Philippines and Philippine migration. Through a partnership with local lawyers and the Faculty of Law at McGill University, we provide legal information and court accompaniment for members. PINAY is also working on re-opening our transition home, a place in which women in the LCP can meet other women in similar situations, obtain information, receive counselling, and even live short-term. We are hoping to mobilize support from our membership to make this home a reality!

How can I get involved?

Leave us a comment, or e-mail us at pinaycan@yahoo.com. We'd love to hear from you!