Community Supporters Organize Solidarity Vigil for Migrant Workers Killed/Injured in Flamborough

HAMILTON, ON--(Marketwired - August 07, 2016) -

Where: Hamilton City Hall (Injured Workers Monument), 71 Main Street W

When: Sunday, August 7^th @7:00pm

On Sunday, July 31^st, Andres Dominguez Moran and Jesus Sanchez Feliciano were struck from the behind while bike riding on highway 5 near Flamborough, Ontario. Moran died as a result of his injuries and Feliciano remains hospitalized.

The Hamilton Welcome Committee of the Harvesting Freedom Campaign is organizing a vigil to mourn Moran's death and show solidarity with the migrant workers, friends and families affected by this tragedy. The vigil will include songs, poetry, and words from the community.

Both men were migrant workers employed under the federal government's Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. As part of this program, over 30,000 Mexican and Caribbean migrant workers come to work in Canada's fields and greenhouses every year. The federal government ties these migrant workers to their employers and does not allow them permanent residency status on arrival. Accidents are common and migrant workers who get injured are typically sent back to their home countries soon after their injuries. 2016 marks the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program's 50^th year anniversary.

"Both levels of government must take the necessary steps to ensure migrant workers have safe working conditions, safe transportation and sufficient access to health care. Canada must stop sending migrant workers home desperate and damaged. And, when a tragedy like this happens, both governments must step up and help those affected," said Evelyn Encalada Grez from Justicia for Migrant Workers.

The vigil will take place on Sunday, August 7^th at Hamilton's City Hall at the Injured Workers Monument starting at 7pm. Please attend this vigil and share with others.