Discrimination Against Latin American Workers During Pre-Olympic Games Construction in Vancouver

Abstract

This article discusses a recent decision by the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal which found discrimination to be present against workers from Latin America employed on construction of the Canada Line rapid transit link, built in preparation for the 2010 Vancouver-Whistler Winter Olympics. The tribunal concluded that the workers’ race, color, ancestry and place of origin were factors in mistreatment by the employer and a prima facie case of discrimination was established with regards to the Latin American workers who were treated adversely compared to Canadian and European workers. This essay analyzes issues of exploitation of migrant workers from Latin America and the difficulties facing labor unions in defending their members, including the costs of such hearings and the firing of workers by employers. This is a significant case for labor rights in a global context.