Canadian elements provider Magna Worldwide says it can “contest vigorously” a $400 million class-action lawsuit accusing it and three different corporations of human trafficking.

The declare, filed in February within the Ontario Superior Court docket, seeks $100 million from every of Magna, Gwillimdale Farms, Mose Drywall Programs and Smith Gardens.

In Magna’s case, based on the assertion of declare, a consultant plaintiff, recognized solely as A.B., in addition to an unspecified variety of class-action members, have been recruited by an company in Mexico, named as San Jose, after which employed by Magna in January. A.B. was then linked with one other defendant, which the lawsuit names solely as John Doe, who inspired A.B. to use for a vacationer visa, not a piece allow, with the promise of gainful employment in Ontario. A.B. was employed as an meeting employee at a Magna owned or managed facility. A.B.’s id is obscured to guard A.B. in addition to household in Mexico, the assertion of declare says.

“A.B. was paid $13 per hour by Magna, under the minimal wage set in Ontario below the Employment Requirements Act (ESA),” the declare reads. The declare additional alleges A.B. was denied wages throughout coaching, “additionally in contravention of the ESA.”

The lawsuit alleges A.B. and different class members typically labored seven days every week with no extra time pay and have been denied trip time and well being advantages throughout their employment with Magna.

“Magna selected to illegally recruit and rent overseas staff and violate the ESA as a result of it might enable them to maximise their earnings,” reads the assertion of declare. Toronto regulation agency Diamond and Diamond issued a information launch March 31 asserting the lawsuit. The identical day, Magna issued an announcement denying the fees.

‘EASILY IDENTIFIABLE MISTAKES’ IN SUIT

“Their claims are with out benefit, and we’ll contest them vigorously,” the Magna assertion says. “In truth, this declare is riddled with a number of factual errors, misidentified events and simply identifiable errors.”

Magna’s assertion says the corporate has “been proactively and voluntarily supporting the Canadian Border Providers Company (CBSA) and different relevant authorities of their efforts to determine abuses associated to unlawful migrant labour practices in Ontario.”

“As a part of this effort, now we have been assured by CBSA that Magna will not be below investigation.”

The Canada Border Providers Company would neither verify the existence of such an investigation nor Magna’s declare of absolution.

“Human trafficking is a reprehensible crime, and we’re proud to signify the courageous victims on this lawsuit,” Sandra Zisckind, Diamond and Diamond managing associate, mentioned in a information launch. “Our purpose is to make sure that these companies are held accountable for his or her actions and that justice is served for the survivors of this horrific crime.”

Magna’s assertion suggests it won’t cease at merely defending towards the accusation.

“We’re presently exploring any and all choices to defend towards these incorrect assertions, together with potential claims towards Diamond and Diamond for his or her irresponsible statements within the media launch,” the Magna assertion says.

Magna Worldwide describes itself as a mobility expertise firm and employs greater than 168,000 employees in 343 manufacturing and 88 product improvement centres in 29 international locations.