News that Labour union in Alberta are against more immigrants coming on

Premier Alison of Alberta is trying to immigrate workers from US to Alberta. There seems to be a shortage of workers in Alberta. She would also be visiting Chicago to explore the possibility of Alberta’s energy relationship with USA.

She emphasized that the province is looking for skilled people to fill up various vacancies in Alberta. A study on economic development has revealed that workers would be required for as many as 25 occupations in the near future.

By 2021, Alberta is likely to see an increased demand of 600,000 workers. If adequate measures are not adopted then Alberta might have about 114, 000 vacancies not filled. Somebody willing to apply for any vacancy can do so for a work visa. Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program provides temporary work visa.

Professor Charlotte Yates of McMaster University feels that these workers are brought to Alberta as the employers find them to be quite cheap. She terms it as “Cheap labour Policy”. She also fears if the number of migrant workers is increased then it will increase the number of vulnerable workers. In turn it will Affect Alberta’s overall labour market and push down the wages.

Human Resource and Skills Development Minister Finley has announced that employers with good track record can hire temporary labours from abroad. These employers can apply for fast tracked hiring process. The process of hiring labours may be initiated within ten working days. The process seems to be simple for the employees.

Alberta Federation labour has not welcomed the decision. They feel that that the new rule will allow immigrants to overstay illegally even after their contracts expire. They also suggest that it is always better to bring them permanently. This way they will also be secured and will be paid better. Otherwise the wages will go down for them.

Federal Unions oppose any kind of exploitation to these migrants by their employees. Community workers and Unions are trying to improve labour conditions. A few unions also think that these immigrants are taking away the jobs from local peoples. On the other hand they are making an effort to unite them to give them their rights.

Some experts also feel that the immigrants themselves take a certain amount of responsibility to fight for themselves. They suggest the labourers to do their own piece of research before joining any job in Alberta.