Allegations of Worker Exploitation Emerge Against Western Star Hotel Chain in Canada

A Mexican employee has come forward claiming he was subjected to exhausting labor conditions, working seven days a week for nearly a year without receiving appropriate pay from a hotel chain accused of exploiting him and other workers.

Unexpected Job Reassignments and Restrictive Work Habitat

Victor Padilla Ruiz arrived in Canada in 2022 with the expectation of working as a chef at the Western Star All Suites hotel’s new resturant located in Melita,Manitoba. Instead, he was redirected to serve as a cook at their Esterhazy, Saskatchewan branch.

He describes an environment marked by intense supervision and limited personal freedom during his shifts. “if I stepped outside for any reason, they would become upset and question me,” Padilla Ruiz recalled.

With limited English skills and no financial resources to return home,he felt trapped. “I wasn’t legally allowed to work without a permit. They promised to apply for it within 15 days after I started,” he explained.

Extended Hours Without Fair Remuneration

The following year saw him back at the Melita location under similar conditions-working roughly 12 hours daily with no days off over several months.

Pending Enforcement of Legal Decisions on Unpaid Wages

In November 2024, Manitoba Employment Standards mandated Harpinder Kaur Brar, director of Western Star hotels, to pay Padilla Ruiz $84,917 covering unpaid overtime wages and holiday pay accumulated over ten months ending May that year.The company contested this decision through an appeal; consequently, Padilla Ruiz has yet to receive compensation.

A government representative confirmed that the claim remains active but refrained from further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Additional Complaints Highlight systemic Labor Issues

This case is part of wider labor disputes involving the same hotel chain. On the day Padilla Ruiz’s ruling was issued, two other employees were also awarded back wages by Manitoba Employment Standards after reporting similar abuses such as excessive work hours and wage infractions.

• A former worker reported being required to stay on-site continuously due to strict managerial oversight;
• An anonymous employee described severe psychological distress caused by exploitative conditions combined with precarious immigration status;
• No interviewed workers possessed valid temporary foreign worker permits when begining employment with Western Star;
• Certain employees admitted misrepresenting their status upon arrival based on employer assurances that legal documentation would soon be secured.

“they planned for me to keep working here illegally forever.”
– Former Western Star Hotel employee

The Complexities Surrounding Ownership Responsibility

The recruitment process reportedly involved Gary Brar who had been identified previously as owner of the chain but recently claimed no ownership or operational involvement since before the COVID-19 pandemic began. He denied illegal hiring practices yet acknowledged attempts were made to assist workers like padilla Ruiz obtain proper permits-applications which were ultimately rejected by authorities.

“Exploiters are skilled at navigating loopholes while leaving minimal evidence behind.”
– carey collins, Chairperson ACT Alberta Coalition Against Human trafficking

The Intersection with Labor trafficking Concerns

An advocacy organization specializing in human trafficking cases noted these patterns closely resemble labour trafficking scenarios where vulnerable individuals are coerced into prolonged exploitation under false promises about immigration status or permanent residency prospects-promises employers cannot legally or practically fulfill.

Tensions Escalate amid Immigration Investigations

Nearing one year after arriving at Melita’s site-on May 10th ,2024-Padilla ruiz was abruptly informed his services were no longer needed amid an ongoing immigration investigation targeting company operations.
“They warned me about possible inspections,” he saeid.
An audio recording captures conversations between him and management revealing leadership fears-including Gary Brar himself-about potential repercussions stemming from government scrutiny.
“They’re genuinely scared,” said one manager recorded discussing arrangements made concerning repatriation flights funded by company officials.
This tense atmosphere heightened uncertainty around promised legal assistance provided through an individual named “Gurwinder,” purportedly acting as legal counsel handling immigration paperwork via WhatsApp communications among affected workers.
This person later pleaded guilty related to unauthorized employment activities connected indirectly through corporate ties involving members associated with Brar family enterprises.

Broad Network: Construction Sites & Worker Accounts reveal Pattern Of Abuse

Carlos Adriano Weber-a Brazilian national named alongside others during investigations-denied working illegally at Winnipeg sites but confirmed employment under Gary Brar across multiple Saskatchewan locations including Prince Albert Holiday Inn Express owned by entities affiliated with brar family interests.

Weber described cash-only payments despite hazardous conditions where illness did not excuse absence; supervisors forced continued labor even when injured or unwell fearing lack of medical coverage might prevent hospital treatment leading some coworkers returning home prematurely due injuries sustained onsite.

Injury Forces Worker To Return Home Prematurely

arturo Ordoñez suffered serious injury piercing his hand while using a nail gun during construction managed by PGBrar investments inc., another entity linked via corporate records sharing directors Irwin & Harpinder Brar along with Apex Construction affiliations.

Ordoñez returned home shortly after injury receiving minimal care beyond painkillers while awaiting promised-but never delivered-work permit facilitating return migration.

“We try getting them paperwork but don’t recall anyone hired illegally.”
-Gary Brar

Skepticism And Denials From Family Members

saskatchewan land registry data reveals multiple corporations owning properties tied directly or indirectly through family members Harpinder & Irwin Brar who deny current operational roles despite documented directorships spanning years.

A History Marked By Violations And Suspended Hiring Privileges

The hotel’s record includes suspension from temporary foreign worker programs dating back nearly ten years following prior complaints about unpaid overtime wages coupled with unauthorized staff relocations across provinces.

Status Update: Work Permit Secured But Lost Time Persists

with support from ACT Alberta non-profit organizations advocating against labour exploitation cases like these continue seeking justice though victims such as Victor lament lost years spent enduring hardship rather than fulfilling aspirations envisioned upon migrating abroad.