Impact Story-From Struggle to Advocacy: My Journey to Championing Workers’ Rights in Canada
Francis, a former judge from Rwanda, faced unsafe working conditions in Canada, despite his qualifications. However, through ActionDignity’s Workers’ Rights Program, he gained the knowledge and confidence to become an advocate for marginalized workers. Let’s read Francis’s story.
Upon arriving in Canada with my wife and children, our family of eight initially relied on government support for sustenance. However, after a year, we found ourselves without assistance, facing the daunting task of securing employment in an unfamiliar landscape. Despite my professional background as a former judge in Rwanda and a lawyer by trade, my overqualification became a barrier to finding suitable employment opportunities.
My journey into the workforce began in the construction sector, where I encountered a multitude of challenges. The absence of basic workplace standards, such as time sheets and personal protective equipment, left me vulnerable. Moreover, the lack of formal agreements or contracts meant that my employment status remained uncertain. I often found myself assigned to physically demanding tasks, sidelined from mainstream roles, and subjected to verbal abuse without any clear authority figure to address grievances.
Fortunately, my path intersected with ActionDignity, where I connected with a program coordinator overseeing the Workers’ Rights initiative. Through their guidance and support, I became empowered with knowledge about my rights as a racialized essential worker in Canada. Engaging in community conversation circles and training sessions provided me with the tools and confidence to become an advocate for change. Now, I proudly represent the voices of marginalized workers at various organizational events, serving as a panelist and speaker, and championing the cause of workers’ rights. ActionDignity’s Workers’ Rights Program has been nothing short of transformative, an invaluable resource and a beacon of support for immigrants like me, offering both enlightenment and solidarity in navigating the complexities of the Canadian workforce.
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