“I passed through all the struggles of a newcomer, with good, so good and not so good
experiences from housing, medical, transportation, employment, government policy, and of course
food; my local food.”
Hello!
I am Adejare Muniru Oduwole, a student of Social Services Practice Program at Cambrian College. I
am on my first field placement at Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre. I am hoping to learn more about the incredible services and supports the Worker Centre gives to workers.
I came to Canada July 2018, stayed six months in Toronto before moving to Sudbury in December
2018. I passed through all the struggles of a newcomer, with good, so good and not so good
experiences from housing, medical, transportation, employment, government policy, and of course
food; my local food.
Coming to Canada with over 20 years work experience in a manufacturing company with certificate
in Mechanical Engineering Production; Tool Making, I could not secure employment in any relevant
field because I was a newcomer. I took to volunteering and delivery job (Skip the Dish) to gain
Canada work experience. When I still could not secure employment and my flair for helping and
caring for people, I went for Personal Support Worker training at CTS Sudbury with sponsorship from
Plan A Long Term Care Staffing and Recruitment Agency in Sudbury.
I hope to learn about worker’s rights at work and with their employer and within government acts
and regulations as a knowledgeable worker is a better worker.
Newcomers are faced with both direct and indirect bullying, exploitation and discrimination. For fear
of losing their job, workers especially newcomers do not complain or speak up when not treated
fairly by their employer or even colleagues. They rather bare unfair treatment such as inadequate
pay, unsafe working condition, and even discrimination.
Sudbury Workers Centre also provides support and information to migrant workers, students, and
members of the community. As the International students are facing higher tuition fees, employment
and housing issues, access to health care, and work permit regulation issues, so are migrant workers
grappling exploitation, abuse, venerability. SWEAC offers resources and services to help international
students navigate the difficulties.
Sudbury Workers Centre do join various advocacy groups and labor organizations to drive home
demands for better working conditions and reforms for migrant workers and international students.
Continuous efforts are needed to address the challenges and ensure that migrant workers and
international students are treated fairly and equitably.
I have, in the past, participated in some of their “Status for All” advocacy calls for migrant worker,
refugees and I would be willing to join them again anytime necessary.