Fairness for international students
We’re calling for urgent action to support international students working in British Columbia.
International students are not just an integral part of our province’s workforce — they are UFCW 1518 members, co-workers, friends, and family. Beyond the crucial role they play in our economy, they enrich Canada’s cultural fabric, bringing diverse perspectives that strengthen our society as a whole. As labour activists, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that international students are treated fairly and their well-being is safeguarded, just as we would for any other worker.
Want to join the campaign? Add your name for important updates and to ask the Government to take action.
We’re calling for urgent action to support international students working in British Columbia.
International students are not just an integral part of our province’s workforce — they are UFCW 1518 members, co-workers, friends, and family. Beyond the crucial role they play in our economy, they enrich Canada’s cultural fabric, bringing diverse perspectives that strengthen our society as a whole. As labour activists, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that international students are treated fairly and their well-being is safeguarded, just as we would for any other worker.
Want to join the campaign? Sign up below for important updates.
The challenges facing international students
After surveying hundreds of UFCW 1518 members who are international students, we have identified key challenges faced by working students.
Funding Studies
72% of international students rely on income earned from working in Canada as the primary source of funding for their studies. This reliance on part-time work impacts their academic performance and overall well-being.
Financial Hardship
88% of respondents reported financial difficulties since arriving in Canada, with 72% struggling with Increased school expenses. 79% of respondents had had to re-evaluate their budgets since arriving in Canada.
Working Hours Restrictions
60% of respondents expressed a desire to work more hours than their current schedules allow. Most already work at or close to the 20 hours allowed by student work permits, and while recent changes now allow 24 hours a week, this is still far from the hours many students would want.
The challenges facing international students
After surveying hundreds of UFCW 1518 members who are international students, we have identified key challenges faced by working students.
Funding Studies
72% of international students rely on income earned from working in Canada as the primary source of funding for their studies. This reliance on part-time work impacts their academic performance and overall well-being.
Financial Hardship
88% of respondents reported financial difficulties since arriving in Canada, with 72% struggling with Increased school expenses. 79% of respondents had had to re-evaluate their budgets since arriving in Canada.
Working Hours Restrictions
60% of respondents expressed a desire to work more hours than their current schedules allow. Most already work at or close to the 20 hours allowed by student work permits, and while recent changes now allow 24 hours a week, this is still far from the hours many students would want.
Key Stats
International students are just 19% of BC’s students.
But they’re paying 48% of BC’s tuition fees.
And international tuition fees have risen by 600% in 30 years.
What we’re calling for
UFCW 1518 proposes the following actions to address the challenges facing international students:
Regulating International Student Fees
international student fees are uncapped and have increased 600% from 1991 to 2019. We urge the BC government to regulate fees for international students.
Increased funding for post-secondary education
This investment can help the financial burden on all students, including international students, and will benefit everyone by fostering a highly skilled and diverse workforce.
Raising standards through collective bargaining
Along with other unions, we will work to better working conditions for our international student members. This includes tailored provisions such as increased unpaid leave to allow international students to visit family abroad.
Building partnerships and solidarity
Many local organizations are already engaged in this issue and have existing campaigns targeted at bringing fairness to international students, and we will seek to partner with them.
What we’re calling for
UFCW 1518 proposes the following actions to address the challenges facing international students:
Regulating International Student Fees
international student fees are uncapped and have increased 600% from 1991 to 2019. We urge the BC government to regulate fees for international students.
Increased funding for post-secondary education
This investment can help the financial burden on all students, including international students, and will benefit everyone by fostering a highly skilled and diverse workforce.
Raising standards through collective bargaining
Along with other unions, we will work to better working conditions for our international student members. This includes tailored provisions such as increased unpaid leave to allow international students to visit family abroad.
Building partnerships and solidarity
Many local organizations are already engaged in this issue and have existing campaigns targeted at bringing fairness to international students, and we will seek to partner with them.