UFCW Canada strengthens cross-border collaboration to support migrant agricultural workers
Cuernavaca, Mexico – April 24, 2026 – UFCW Canada is continuing to build cross-border solidarity with partners in Mexico to strengthen protections for migrant agricultural workers employed in Canada.
Through its partnership with the Government of Morelos in Mexico, UFCW Canada is helping ensure that temporary agricultural workers traveling to Canada have access to critical support, legal guidance, and advocacy to protect their rights throughout their employment.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers and improving working conditions across borders. As part of this effort, UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer recently met with Mexican officials inside the Mexican Senate to discuss labour rights, union co-operation, and the experiences of migrant workers. During the visit, the UFCW Canada delegation also met with six senators and eight members of Congress, all of whom play key roles in migration and labour programs, reinforcing the importance of coordinated action to better protect workers.
The delegation further participated in a labour rights workshop in the State of Mexico alongside the Minister of Labour, engaging directly with more than 300 workers to discuss their rights, challenges, and experiences. The session provided an important opportunity to hear directly from workers and strengthen education and outreach efforts.
The visit marks an important step in advancing collaboration between UFCW Canada and Mexican authorities. Discussions also focused on enhancing the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, with an emphasis on ensuring that workers’ voices are central to future reforms.
“Direct engagement with our partners in Mexico and with workers themselves is essential to building meaningful change,” says UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer. “This collaboration will help ensure greater accountability and stronger protections for migrant workers in Canada.”
Building on its relationship with the Mexican government, UFCW Canada hosted a delegation of officials last year for a multi-day visit to Canada. The delegation toured the union’s national headquarters in Toronto, the Agriculture Workers Support Centre in Leamington, and several agricultural workplaces across Ontario’s Niagara region. The visit focused on strengthening protections for Mexican migrant agricultural workers and identifying opportunities to improve working and living conditions.
“This partnership is about ensuring that migrant workers are protected, respected, and supported every step of the way,” says Pablo Godoy, UFCW Canada Special Assistant to the National President. “By working together across borders, we are strengthening protections and raising standards for workers in the agricultural sector.”
UFCW Canada (the United Food and Commercial Workers Union) represents more than 255,000 members across Canada working in every sector of the food industry from field to table. For 30 years, UFCW Canada has been the leading voice and advocate for domestic and migrant agricultural workers. To learn more about this important work, click here.
