Complicated question for PMM and Seniors regarding INDENTURED workers

[BCguy]

Hi Guys
2 Foriegn workers 1 from the Philippines and 1 from India came into the office asking for help.They are IT Workers in the LMO exempt professions working for Accenture here in BC.Basically since No LMO is required,They are brought in under work permits and work above minimum wage but  BELOW Prevailing wages for their field since NO LMO is needed.They have been told that since their work permit is tied to Accenture,That Accenture basically "owns"them and that they should forget looking for any other employer since  Accenture "owns" them.Question If these guys encounter an employer which they have willing to sponsor them and hire them and pay them the REAL prevailing wages in their field,Can said employer simply file a work permit application for them because they are already in LMO exempt fields or are they still indentured to Accenture??Second question If the employer is hiring them in None LMO exempt capacities Can the new more generous employer file an LMO then get them a new work visa.I have nothing against Accenture which i am sure is cutting costs to help survive,But simply want to help these guys if I can

[Leon]

I do not see any reason why they would not be able to apply for an LMO with another employer or apply for a new work permit for a job that does not require an LMO.  I don't know this for sure but you could call CIC and ask on their behalf.  No slavery in Canada anymore.

My former employer tried to use similar tactics in the past.  Employers will go pretty far sometimes if they think they can get away with it.  In that case, it was the other people who stood up for the foreign workers and refused to let them be underpaid.  It is also bad for the local workers if the employer can hire foreigners and underpay them.  It means the locals will soon lose their jobs to foreigners too.