Immigrant agricultural workers - job search services


This program is intended for farm workers who need assistance in finding work and would like to learn more about their rights.

IAW-JSS provides basic pre-employment and labor market information/education in a culturally sensitive manner to the seasonal worker community. Through this program, we raise the awareness of various programs and services in the region, specifically for season workers. This provides additional career options and alternative employment opportunities to make a smooth transition to gradual full time employment. 

Three Week Job Finding Club


During the three weeks of the job finding club clients are given information on employment skills and the labor market.
 

Employment Skills

  • Identifying employment barriers
  • Identifying transferable skills
  • Occupational goal setting
  • Networking techniques
  • Cold calling
  • Calling card
  • Resume workshop
  • Culture differences in Canadian work ethics
  • Practice interviews
  • Job leads

Information on the Labor Market is given by guest speakers from the following organizations

  • Employment Standard Branch
  • Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association (FARSHA)
  • Work Safe BC
  • Trans-link

Audio Visual Information

  • Caught in a World of Pesticides (National Film Board, Deol Society – History Workers)
  • WHMIS (Workers Compensation Board)
  • Choices
  • Are You Looking for Work (Canada Employment and Immigration)
     

Training


Clients who participate in the three week job finding club are eligible to partake in the fallowing trainings for free:

  • Occupational First Aids Level 1: This course focuses on training employees in industries to confidently and effectively manage workplace emergencies. They range from a basic one day course to more advanced training. Employees are trained to provide first aid for minor and major injuries and trauma that could occur.
  • Food Safe Level 1 Training (in Punjabi/Hindi and English): This course emphasizes food safety in the workplace and safe food handling procedures.
  • Basic Computer Training: Computer training is total 24 hours training that includes MS Word, Internet, email, Power point, Excel.
Contact Kamal Bal to register for IAW-JSS, 604-596-7722 ext. 120


legal advocacy
 

The legal advocacy program is co-managed by PICS and the Abbotsford Community Services Society, and addresses the typical needs of the seasonal worker communities in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Regions. Through the Workers Partnership Program, our two organizations serve agricultural workers. The Law Foundation of BC funds this program, which reviews and highlights issues to improve the conditions of agricultural workers through legal education and law reform.


This program has helped many of our clients win their EI, WCB, and CPP disability appeals and also with issues of wages non-payment.

Service provided includes:

  • Information or self-help
  • Legal advocacy
  • Advice or representation
This program is designed to help agricultural workers with multiple barriers and assist them in dealing with legal issues related to:
  • Employment Insurance
  • Workers Compensation Board
  • Old Age Security
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • Disability Cases


PUblications

To download our information sheet on pesticide usage, click here.
To download our IAW -JSS brochure in English and Punjabi, click here.