Canadian Farmworkers Union Collection

: 1980 Press Release - Canadian Farmworkers Union is Canada's newest trade union; Announces the founding of the Canadian Farmworkers Union. The first Canadian trade union exclusively for farm workers.

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Has Been Founded - What is Next?; An important early summary evaluation and plan of action for union activities. Also, criteria for hired staff document.

: Raj Chouhan's Speech - Consultation on Racism; An important speech linking 'racist' attacks in Lower Mainland, BC with the history of racism in government immigration and work policies. Mentions recent Klu Klux Klan activities in Vancouver, and the role of mainstream media in 'propogating racism'. Includes recommended conference resolutions on issues of racism.

: Farmworker 1980 Vol. 01 No. 02; The first newspaper of the Canadian Farmworkers Union. A bi-lingual newspaper with English front side (6-pages) and Punjabi front side (6-pages). Headlines include: Farmworkers Union Formed; Farmworkers march in fields; Goons attack CFU vice-president's home; Farmworkers demonstrate in Vancouver; Boycott Red Coach Label Iceberg Lettuce;

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Founding Public Celebration April 26, 1980. - Invitation to Media; Press Release announcing the celebration event for the founding of the Canadian Farmworkers Union attended by UFW President Cesar Chavez.

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Founding Public Celebration April 26, 1980. United Farmworkers President Cesar Chavez solidarity greetings at David Thompson Secondary School, Vancouver.; Founding of Canadian Farmworkers Union, a public celebration with guest speaker UFW President Cesar Chavez on his first trip to Vancouver in solidarity with CFU. At David Thompson Secondary School, Vancouver. Raj Chouhan clapping (far left), Charan Gill smiling.

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Founding Public Celebration April 26, 1980. President United Farm Workers of America Cesar Chavez speaks.; Founding of Canadian Farmworkers Union, a public celebration with guest speaker UFW President Cesar Chavez on his first trip to Vancouver in solidarity with CFU. At David Thompson Secondary School, Vancouver.

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Founding Public Celebration April 26, 1980; Agenda for evening; CFU President Raj Chouhan's speech celebrating the founding of the first Canadian farmworkers union. Event attended by UFW President Cesar Chavez.

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Founding Public Celebration - Speech by Raj Chouhan; The 'Founding of Canadian Farmworkers Union' is a public celebration, in Vancouver, with guest speaker UFW Pres. Cesar Chavez on first trip to Vancouver in solidarity with CFU.

: India Now Vol.3 No.5 - Canadian Farmworkers Union Formed; Monthly newspaper of IPANA features a front page story on the founding meeting of the CFU.

: Raj Chouhan's Speech at BC Conference of the United Church of Canada in Victoria; An appeal for church support in the farmworkers struggle. A brief overview of farmworkers working conditions and CFU activities during the first year.

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Public Meeting - Press Invitation; A CFU public meeting, in Surrey, to demand farmworkers and domestic workers be included in basic federal and provincial labour laws.

: Canadian Farmworkers Union 1980 Overall Planning - Draft; An important early internal review and plan of action for union activities

: Jensen Mushroom Farm : Labour Relations Board of BC, Labour Code of British Columbia Application for Certification at Jensen Mushroom Farm Ltd; Certification vote took place almost one year later on March 31, 1981.

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Public Meeting; An event demanding farmworkers be included in basic federal and provincial labour laws. On Feb 29th, 1980 the Social Credit provincial BC government's throne speech promises changes in the Labour Standards Legislation to include farmworkers. 'The CFU wants action NOT LIP-SERVICE.'

: Canadian Farmworkers Union Public Meeting - Speech by CFU President Raj Chouhan; A CFU public meeting, in Surrey, to demand farmworkers be included in basic federal and provincial labour laws.

: BC Fed Labour News Vol.1 No.2: A Union for Farmworkers; Cover image is Cesar Chavez, President of United Farmworkers of America and Raj Chouhan President Canadian Farmworkers Union at a press conference in Vancouver. Article and photos highlight violent destruction to union member's homes and vehicles, and the union office.

: Raj Chouhan's Speech at the Telecommunications Workers Union Convention; A brief overview of farmworkers working conditions and CFU activities during the first year.

: Jensen Mushroom Farms Ltd and Canadian Farmworkers Union Local No.1 - Letter of Complaint; A letter of complaint regarding unfair labour practices at Jensen Mushroom Farm Ltd, and requesting expeditious resolution to the application for certification May 30, 1980. Also attached is the affidavit by CFU staff rep Judy Cavanagh outlining the supervisor's threats and intimidation towards new CFU members at the mushroom farm, including a request for back wages for a disciplined worker. Also attached Supervisor's disciplinary letter to the employee.

: A Message to Union Members - Canadian Farmworkers Union; The letter says 515 members have joined to-date and encourages members to sign up their co-workers.

: Driediger Farms : CFU Invitation to Join Information Picket Line; The grower negotiated with the CFU for two months and backed out of signing a contract that had been jointly agreed upon. This picket line was featured in the NFB documentary 'A Time To Rise'.

: Driediger Farms : We are here because…Driediger signed a negotiated agreement with the Union; Leaflet distributed at a demonstartion at Driediger Farms, Langley to protest the grower’s withdrawal from negotiations. The grower negotiated with the CFU for two months and backed out of signing a contract that had been jointly agreed upon. Double-sided in english and punjabi.

: Driediger Farms, Langley, CFU demonstration. We want $3 per flat.; CFU demonstration to protest the grower’s withdrawal from negotiations. Driediger Farms negotiated with the Canadian Farmworkers Union for well over two months. Terms of the collective agreement between the Union and the employer were finalized on April 13, 1980. The grower backed out at the last minute saying he is a ‘Free Enterpriser’ and doesn't believe in unions. CFU demands include Minimum of $4.00 per hour, and Minimum of $3.00 per flat (for a 16 lb. flat).

Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World