Humanitarian crises and pandemics result in human rights concerns and aggravate existing human rights susceptibilities. The huge number of people affected by these disasters has increased in recent years. If not addressed and corrected, the impact on people’s lives creates tremendous sufferings, injustices, and heinousness. Most impacted are essential workers and front-liners. This was evident in the outbreaks that happened in meatpacking plants in Alberta, specifically Cargill and JBS, when systemic barriers, including poor and unsafe conditions, job insecurities and vulnerabilities, increased racism in and outside their workplace were exacerbated due to the impacts of the pandemic.
The prevention and alleviation of the crisis brought about by Covid19 have been a challenge to most countries and the business industries. Violations of rights and abuses had caused and led to physical harm and injuries, mental anxieties, and psychological impacts, most especially in the marginalized and vulnerable sectors.
In Alberta, 12 protected grounds on which the Alberta Human Rights Act (AHR Act) prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, family status, source of income, and sexual orientation.
To view the full Worker’s Resource Kit please select the link in your desired language.