Canada

The discussion paper sets out a range of possible housing deductions employers could charge for shelter. At the highest end of that range, the government is considering a deduction of 30 per cent of pre-tax income — about $1,000 per month, according to the discussion paper.

A migrant worker from Jamaica — The Canadian Press has agreed not to name him, due to his fear of reprisal from his employer — said that if the highest level of deduction is implemented, his $600 after-tax weekly pay packet will be stretched even thinner.

"That is wickedness. I am working for $17.23 per hour," he said.

Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, said a 30 per cent housing deduction would be "a massive theft" of wages "without improvement in their lives."

"It's incredibly hypocritical that it's being framed as improvements and a response to the United Nations calling Canada's temporary immigration system a breeding ground for exploitation and slavery," he said.

Last year, the UN released a report saying Canada's temporary worker program is a "breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery" because it ties work permits to jobs.

The report said this creates an institutionalized power imbalance because workers may be deported if they are fired and employers have "limited incentive to ensure decent working conditions."

The Jamaican migrant worker said that he's been told he needs to keep working and stay in line because there are "10 more Jamaicans waiting for your job."