Justice for Migrant Workers

I realize that I have written many blog entries on migrants, refugees, and migrant workers through the years of this blog. They are usually from our current context but the bible is full of stories about migrants.

Think about Joseph and his brothers, Abram and Sarai,  the exodus from Egypt,  the story of Ruth and Naomi. Of course in the New Testament it is Jesus' family with their flight to Egypt. There are actually many other stories which shape our biblical narrative which involve people on the move for economic and political reasons, famine and war and fear of violence.

During the pandemic we've been aware of migrant workers in a different context. A few months ago politicians realized that those who come to Canada seasonally are essential to our economy, picking the crops which we have been able to take for granted in our grocery stores and on our tables despite the disruptions and turmoil all around us.

The decision was made to allow thousands of workers from Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean nations into Canada to do this work that year-round citizens don't want to do. These are people who are dedicated workers without whom we would be in a lot of trouble. Yet we have treated them poorly through the decades with high expectations, generally low wages, and sub-standard accommodation. There have been some improvements in conditions and pay over time, but we don't have anything to brag about.



Rogelio Muñoz Santos, a 24-year-old from Chiapas, Mexico, was admitted to Erie Shores Hospital in Leamington on June 1 with breathing difficulties, and transferred to an ICU in Windsor the next day. He died in hospital on June 5. (GoFundMe)

Now we hear that migrant workers in this country have been hard hit by COVID-19 and an area of the province is still in Phase 1 of the coronavirus response because there are hundreds of afflicted workers. Sadly, three have died, a terrible reality for families thousands of kilometres away.

The provincial government has come up with a plan for those who are documented, providing support through illness and return to work, demanding better conditions for workers. . But there are thousands of workers who are undocumented, earning less than minimum wage, provided with little or no protective equipment, and with the threat of deportation if they can't work because of illness. It is a miserable situation.

These circumstances should be cause for concern for Christians in Ontario as a matter of justice and compassion. It is deeply connected to the story of our faith and we can ponder what is happening every time we enjoy produce that is seasonal, local, and fresh. Surely these are people who deserve all the protections of this country when they are putting food on our tables.

Thoughts?