Labour trafficking is a form of human trafficking that can happen in a number of different industries.
It involves recruiting, moving, or holding victims to coerce them into doing work. Victims are often pressured or manipulated into working under unsafe, degrading, or exploitative conditions. This can include threats, withheld wages, emotional and psychological abuse, or the retention of personal documents to prevent them from leaving.
It’s important to recognize that labour trafficking can affect anyone, regardless of immigration status. Migrant and undocumented workers may face more vulnerability due to limited access to legal protections, mistrust of authority due to fear of deportation, or dependence on employers for housing, visas, or transportation. These factors can make it easier for traffickers to exploit them and harder for them to seek help.
Labour trafficking is frequently connected to industries such as:
Labour trafficking is frequently connected to industries such as:
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality
- Food processing
- Restaurants
- Caregiving/home care
In many cases, trafficked workers may not recognize they are being exploited—especially if they are unfamiliar with their rights, face language barriers, or fear retaliation. Creating safe, non-punitive pathways for victims to come forward, without fear of detention or deportation, is an essential part of an effective response.
At the Alberta Centre, we’re working to increase awareness and understanding of labour trafficking, strengthen community responses, and ensure victims can access the protection and support they need.