Solidarity, Hope, and Determination: Temporary Foreign Workers & Migrant Workers at Olymel
In Red Deer, Alberta, 35 Temporary Foreign Workers and migrant workers from the Olymel pork processing facility gathered on Saturday, August 23rd for more than just a presentation—they came together in solidarity, hope, and determination.
They were joined by Santiago Escobar, National Representative of UFCW Canada, who shared his deep knowledge about the difficult journey toward Permanent Residency in Canada. Santiago spoke openly about the many pathways, the barriers workers face, and the sacrifices families make to try to build a future in this country. He reminded workers that UFCW Canada played a central role in creating the Canada Agri-Food Pilot Program, a program that has already helped thousands of members achieve Permanent Residency and a secure future here.
But with the pilot program now ended, migrant food workers are left with very few options. The reality is that applying for Permanent Residency can cost thousands of dollars—an impossible amount for many who already work long hours in challenging jobs. UFCW Canada and UFCW Local 401 have stepped in to ensure that cost is never a barrier to hope. Together, our union is committed to helping members navigate this complicated and expensive process, offering support and guidance free of charge.
This is what solidarity looks like: workers standing together, unions stepping forward, and a collective fight to make Canada a place where every worker has dignity, fairness, and the chance to build a life.
We extend our gratitude to Santiago for traveling to Red Deer to meet with the Olymel workers, and to every worker who showed courage by participating, asking questions, and envisioning a better future. A special thanks to our Shop Stewards who attended: Olga Polish, Axel Fricot, Jaysen (Bruno) Mahadoo, Leslie Real Bustamante, Mohamed Kanu, and Yesi Barrios.
UFCW Canada and UFCW Local 401 will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Temporary Foreign Workers and migrant workers—because when we fight for one, we fight for all.
Posted on: August 25,2025