Painter accuses Regina business of siding with TFWs

A Regina painter who has been laid off is asking why he lost his job instead of temporary foreign workers.
 
Troy Jessop was let go by Deveraux Developments in January, one year after he was hired. During his time with the company, he claims he trained three temporary foreign workers who were hired five months after him and they survived a round of layoffs.
 
“I’ve been (in Canada) for over 40 years. Why should I get thrown to the side because they sign someone from out of country?” 
 
Jessop was told these three temporary foreign workers were offered and signed a two-year contract when they were hired, but Deveraux Developments could not confirm that. Jessop said he was not on a contract and feels that made it easier to let him go.
 
“Maybe you should sign the workers of Saskatchewan the same contract so you don’t have this,” he said.
 
According to president and CEO Denis Jones, Deveraux Developments laid off 15 people in the first quarter of the year based on seasonal construction. Two of them were temporary foreign workers.
 
“We only lay off people based on merit and based on work availability,” said Jones.
 
“The foreign workers can be let go just as easily as local workers,” he added.
 
Jones insists the company follows the immigration laws when it comes to hiring temporary foreign workers. Meanwhile, Jessop has found a new painting job in Regina.
 
The NDP brought Jessop’s story to light during question period Monday afternoon.

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