Workers’ Rights

The Ontario Employment Standards Act provides protection for many classifications of workers regardless of immigration status. Whether or not you have full immigration status, you are entitled to receive the money you have earned. You may also file an anonymous complaint under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, if you feel your working conditions are unsafe. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment or have not received the money you are owed, contact:

INTERCEDE for the Rights of Domestic Workers, Caregivers and Newcomers
 
Office phone 416-483-4554
Toll-free phone 1-877-483-4554
Fax 416-483-9781
 
Email info@intercedetoronto.org
Address 234 Eglinton Ave E, Ste 405, Toronto, ON, M4P 1K5
Location (Intersection) Toronto North (Mount Pleasant Rd-Eglinton Ave E)
Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
 
Languages of service English ; Filipino ; translation/interpretation may be arranged for Spanish and other languages

Eligibility Domestic workers in or out of the Live-in Caregiver Program, as well as caregivers, other work permit holders and Filipino newcomers * also family members

How to apply Fill out client information forms and bring relevant documents * most services by appointment
Fees None
 
Physical access Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * elevator with lowered buttons
 
Service description Information, referral and counselling on immigration, employment, human rights * orientation for newcomers * settlement services * resume preparation * emotional support * advocacy * support groups * off site outreach meetings * skills upgrading and leadership workshops * recreation activities * education meeting 1st Sunday of every month 3-5 pm at 58 Cecil St * confidential

Job Search Workshops (JSW) -- for new immigrants and Convention refugees, legally entitled to work in Canada * 3 or 4 day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking * extensive individual assistance

Workers' Action Centre

Office phone:                (416) 531-0778
Fax:                              (416) 533-0107
E-mail:                          info@workersactioncentre.org
Website:                       www.workersactioncentre.org
Address:                       720 Spadina Ave, Ste 223, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2T9
Location:                      Toronto Central (Spadina Ave-Bloor St W)
Area served:                 City of Toronto
Hours:                          Vary, call for details * evening appointments can be arranged
Language of service:     Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin), English, Spanish, Tamil * interpreters available for other languages (may be longer response time)
Eligibility:                      Open to all * particular focus on immigrant and visible minority workers with low incomes and unstable employment
How to apply:               Call for appointment
Fees:                            Free
Physical access:            Wheelchair accessible -- call for details
Service description:       Workers rights education * information and referral on work-related issues such as employment law, human rights, harassment, Employment Insurance (EI), workers' compensation, health and safety legislation * information and drop-in sessions for workers wanting in-depth information on asserting their rights and protecting themselves at work * strategies and support regarding unpaid wages, vacation pay and holiday pay * referrals