An advocate for Alberta's temporary foreign workers says her phone is ringing off the hook with people who say they're being treated unfairly by their bosses.

Yessey Byl was appointed to her position just a month ago by the Alberta Federation of Labour, and said she's "feeling a tad overwhelmed" by the calls. The callers are afraid that if they speak out, their Canadian employers will send them home, she said.

"We will never hear from most of those people as long as the government doesn't protect them," said Byl.

Byl and other foreign-worker advocates attending a conference in Edmonton this week put on by the Canadian Council for Refugees are forming a coalition to deal with the issue.

They plan to approach the federal government departments responsible for foreign workers and lobby for changes to laws.

Byl especially wants the federal government to force employers to live up to promises made to foreign workers. She said some workers say they have been paid much less than promised, while others have had deductions taken from their cheques illegally.

"It's an issue of justice, it's an issue of rights," said Bly.

Alfredo Barahona, who speaks for a church-funded immigration organization in Toronto called Kairos, is urging other grassroots organizations and church groups to join in their lobby.

"Nobody is going to listen to one person, but people will pay attention to a group of people," he said. "When we all speak with one voice, obviously we will be much more effective."

Alberta has 1,600 temporary foreign workers.