Kirby questions premier on temporary foreign workers

The issue of temporary foreign workers was raised in the House of Assembly today by NDP Labour Critic Dale Kirby (MHA, St. John’s North).

Recent news reports have brought the issue to light as temporary workers from Thailand have been hired by the Quinlan Brothers to work in the company’s Bay de Verde plant.

“What role, if any, did this government play in the process of bringing these temporary foreign workers to the province?” asked Kirby.

Kirby pointed to the Harper government’s plan to allow employers to pay temporary foreign workers less than Canadian workers for the same jobs, saying this will “degrade working conditions for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

“Will this government immediately revise our labour standards to specifically regulate and protect foreign workers in this province?” asked Kirby.