2010-09-12
Canadian Press
The deaths of two migrants workers from Jamaica who died at a farm south of Owen Sound is now under investigation.
The Canadian Press
The deaths of two migrants workers from Jamaica who died at a farm south of Owen Sound is now under investigation.
Provincial police and the Ontario Ministry of Labour are probing the deaths of the two men, who died on Friday at Filsinger's Organic Foods apple orchard and processing facility in Ayton.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union says it was told by a Jamaican official that the deaths were "job-related."
In a press release, Wayne Hanley the national president for the union, called the incident a tragedy.
"The deaths of the two workers in Ayton is a tragic reminder of the dangers and risks involved in the agriculture sector," said Hanley.
The names of the men, who are 36 and 44, have not been released.
The UFCW said more than 6,000 Jamaican migrants were employed on over 300 Canadian farms this season.
Ontario was forced to allow agricultural workers freedom to associate after a Supreme Court ruling in 2001, however legislation stopped short of allowing them collective bargaining rights.
The UFCW is now before the Supreme Court again, challenging that legislation.
Agriculture and horticulture workers
Policy analysis and Documented cases of abuse
Public awareness
Canada, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, British Columbia, Other provinces, Federal, Jamaica, Nova Scotia, and National relevance
English