I am currently working as a Technical Support Representative at Shaw Communications and my LMO had recently been rejected by Service Canada on the basis of the wages offered. My position is a part-time, permanent role with $17.25/hr but I get atleast 40 hrs/week and some overtime.
This is what they had to say:
“The wages you are offering are not consistent with prevailing wages paid to Canadians in the requested occupation” and “Applications for Labour Market Opinions must reflect wages consistent with prevailing rates specified for the occupation in the region. The prevailing wage is applied to ensure that the hiring of the foreign worker will not place downward pressure on the wages of Canadians/Permanent Residents.”
Any ideas what should I do now? My post graduate work permit expires on March 22, 2013
Research on salary average, low, median, high per hour wages offered currently in your region on working in canada at http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/home-eng.do?lang=eng. This will help in getting this information and reapply for LMO. You still have time to get the LMO as your employer does not have to show the recruitment efforts as the employer gets exemption from this step because you are currently on PGWP.
I called Service Canada up and the low wage is $16.02 and they mentioned I should get median wage which is $22.0 for Edmonton. I know that Rogers and Telus offer around the same wage. Not sure, why the wage is becoming an issue.
The minimum wage requirement of at least average wages is a very important part of the LMO process and one which I personally strongly agree with.
Canada has to protect itself from immigrants coming into the country and undercutting local work forces by offering to work for low wages, putting Canadians out of jobs.
So I think the stipulation that at least average wages are offered is a very important one.
You do need an LMO for the permit so there's no way round this other than to
a) Re-negotiate the wages you'll be paid to meet the average
b) Finding another job.
Hi - I guess your next options may be to provide Service Canada with documentary evidence of rival companies performing the same job.
But I imagine they'd require very specific details to ensure that those are in fact the same job roles.
I'd gather as much evidence as you can and mail Service Canada - worth a shot but I wouldn't hold your breath.
