Recent ruling could benefit migrant farm workers injured on the job

Are you a community worker, librarian, or advocate who interacts with migrant farm workers as part of your work? We invite you to join this important webinar. 

This webinar gives community workers information about recent decisions from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) that could have significant impacts for migrant farm workers. 

Previously, injured workers could lose benefits if the WSIB determined there were other suitable jobs available for them in Ontario. The WSIAT has now ruled that this practice is wrong. Migrant farm workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) are not authorized to work other jobs in Ontario and many return home after an injury. The resulting loss of benefits has led to deep hardship for many migrant farm workers for decades. 

Our presenters will provide an overview of the ruling and what it means for workers who are part of the SAWP. They will also share strategies on how to support migrant farm workers who are injured on the job and applying for WSIB benefits.

Speakers:

Maryth Yachnin, Staff lawyer at Industrial Accident Victims Group of Ontario (IAVGO)

David Arruda, Community legal worker/paralegal at Industrial Accident Victims Group of Ontario (IAVGO)

More information from IAVGO on this ruling

ASL Interpretation will be provided.