Dear editor:
Regarding Kit Andres’ letter, “Migrant workers deserve permanent resident status,” (July 4), I presume that includes our Niagara-area farmworkers.
It would be interesting to know how many offshore workers there are in Niagara and to ask each one whether they want to have permanent residency.
Many workers have families and would likely bring them along.
This means they could no longer live in the farmer-supplied housing, which is designed for individual workers. Most have single-room bedrooms.
In addition to that would be the high cost to the worker for winter heating (if the farmer decides to rent the spaced to a family).
But that would mean the farmer now only has one worker on his property and with no guarantee that worker would stay the season as they would be free to leave any time.
So, if the worker and his family opt for permanent resident status, they would need to find affordable off-farm premises, difficult with Niagara’s high rents.
They also might need a vehicle to get to work, unless they decide to not do farm work any longer. Or perhaps they would find a job elsewhere and be able to walk, cycle or take a bus to work.
Next comes the fact that farmers using the temporary worker program do this so that they can be guaranteed workers will be available when time-sensitive farm work has to be done, especially in tree fruit/vegetable and greenhouse operations.
By having our temporary farmworkers on hand, we as farmers can rest easier about getting our crops properly attended to.
I also do not entirely believe that undocumented workers face exploitation at work. It may go on in a few cases in our area, however, is that not true of any business that hires local?
Plus, if Andres is aware of exploitation, then the liaison for the country that represents the worker should be notified.
That would be the proper, humane thing to do. Also, workers have the right to ask to work for a different farmer or not to be part of the program any longer.
I agree it is very tough for the workers to be away from their families.
I wonder how people in the military do it? Should we care about them a little more as well?
I can speak personally about the Jamaican farmworkers we employ. Over the 17 years he has been here, one has built himself a five-bedroom home with four bathrooms. Two years ago he bought himself a car after learning to drive on our farm.
Most of these migrant farmworkers cannot find suitable work in their country, which is why they are here. They also do not wish to spend winters in our cold climates.
They have found a way to better their lives and the lives of their children by working here.
I believe much of the push for permanent residency is union driven, which could mean more money and paid from unionized farmworkers. No thanks.
If what I have said does not sit well with anyone, I would welcome a discussion.
Susan Pohorly
NOTL
