OFWs warned against pursuing mushroom picking jobs in Canada

Filipinos have been cautioned against pursuing mushroom picking jobs in Canada.

According to Bernadette Reyes' report on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" on Wednesday, the Department of Labor and Employment has said that there was no job order for mushroom pickers in the country.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration also has not accredited any recruiter offering mushroom picking jobs.

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Canada said mushroom pickers were usually paid minimum wage in Ontario and in other provinces.

It added that claims of a P150,000 to P180,000 monthly pay as a typical mushroom picker was "inflated" and "inaccurate."

Moreover, the Canadian government reportedly gave local Canadian workers a priority over foreign laborers.

The Philippine Embassy also issued an advisory urging Filipino job seekers to follow the standard procedures for the deployment of OFWs.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia said Filipinos should coordinate with the POEA or the POLO in their respective areas to determine legitimate job opportunities available for Filipinos abroad and ensure that their rights and welfare are protected. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News