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Title: A Time to Change: 30 Photographs of Indo-Canadian Farmworkers in the Fraser Valley
Description: Exhibition notes for Craig Berggold's photo exhibit 'A Time to Change' at the Abbotsford Gallery Museum. The photos show the early years of the CFU organizing in the Fraser Valley, BC, including images of CFU President Raj Chouhan and UFW President Cesar Chavez; also the Hoss Farm women mushroom workers strike; and farmworkers harvesting cold crops
Show moreExhibition notes for Craig Berggold's photo exhibit 'A Time to Change' at the Abbotsford Gallery Museum. The photos show the early years of the CFU organizing in the Fraser Valley, BC, including images of CFU President Raj Chouhan and UFW President Cesar Chavez; also the Hoss Farm women mushroom workers strike; and farmworkers harvesting cold crops - cauliflower and brussel sprouts. The 30 photos were purchased for the Museums permanent collection.
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Date: 2009-05-07

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 27 by Craig Berggold. Raj Chouhan, CFU president, and Cesar Chavez, UFW president, relax after speeches. Vancouver, BC, April 10, 1983.
Description: Raj Chouhan, CFU president (left) and Cesar Chavez, UFW president, (right) relax after speeches. Cesar Chavez was renowned for leading non-violent protest in the farmworkers’ struggle for equality and justice. Cesar provided regular counsel and advice to the members and staff of the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union. Robson Square, Vancouver, British
Show moreRaj Chouhan, CFU president (left) and Cesar Chavez, UFW president, (right) relax after speeches. Cesar Chavez was renowned for leading non-violent protest in the farmworkers’ struggle for equality and justice. Cesar provided regular counsel and advice to the members and staff of the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union. Robson Square, Vancouver, British Columbia. April 10, 1983. Photo 27 of 30.
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Date: 1983-04-10

Title: Hoss Farm mushroom workers' picket line in South Langley, BC. Jasweer Kaur Brar fired for joining the Canadian Farmworkers Union.
Description: On May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included
Show moreOn May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included working up to 15 hours per day with no overtime, being paid at piece rates amounting to $2-$3 an hour (far less than minimum wage), no bathrooms or cleaning facilities, and dismissal for union activity.
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Date: 1984-05-29

Title: Hoss Mushroom farm workers' picket line in South Langley, BC. Hoss is a bad boss. We want our jobs back.
Description: On May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included
Show moreOn May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included working up to 15 hours per day with no overtime, being paid at piece rates amounting to $2-$3 an hour (far less than minimum wage), no bathrooms or cleaning facilities, and dismissal for union activity.
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Date: 1984-05-29

Title: Hoss Farm mushroom workers' picket line in South Langley, BC. Hoss Farm mushroom truck leaves farm across picket line.
Description: On May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included
Show moreOn May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included working up to 15 hours per day with no overtime, being paid at piece rates amounting to $2-$3 an hour (far less than minimum wage), no bathrooms or cleaning facilities, and dismissal for union activity.
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Date: 1984-05-29

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 22. Two elderly farmworkers in their south Vancouver home take a break from their English as a Second Language lessons. South Vancouver, BC, March 1983.
Description: Two elderly farmworkers in their south Vancouver home take a break from their English as a Second Language lessons. From January to May 1983, the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union ran E.S.L. classes in the homes of farmworkers that were taught by volunteer teachers. The students were mainly older women and they showed a great desire to learn English.
Show moreTwo elderly farmworkers in their south Vancouver home take a break from their English as a Second Language lessons. From January to May 1983, the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union ran E.S.L. classes in the homes of farmworkers that were taught by volunteer teachers. The students were mainly older women and they showed a great desire to learn English. South Vancouver, British Columbia. March 1983. Photo 22 of 30.
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Date: 1983-03-01

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 17 by Craig Berggold. Raj Chouhan, president, Canadian Farmworkers’ Union, and Judy Cavanagh, staff rep, rally at the Workers’ Compensation Board Headquarters. Richmond, BC, March 22, 1983.
Description: Raj Chouhan, president, Canadian Farmworkers’ Union, and Judy Cavanagh, staff representative, rally at the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) Headquarters. The union demanded that farmworkers receive equal treatment as all other workers, and be covered under WCB health and safety regulations. In October 1982, a coroner’s jury decided that the
Show moreRaj Chouhan, president, Canadian Farmworkers’ Union, and Judy Cavanagh, staff representative, rally at the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) Headquarters. The union demanded that farmworkers receive equal treatment as all other workers, and be covered under WCB health and safety regulations. In October 1982, a coroner’s jury decided that the pesticide poisoning death of farmworker Jarnail Singh Deol was a "preventable homicide." The coroner's jury blamed Deol's death on "ignorance and a lack of government legislation." Richmond, British Columbia. March 22, 1983. Photo 17 of 30.
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Date: 1983-03-22

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 26 by Craig Berggold. Cesar Chavez, president UFW, and Raj Chouhan, president CFU, lead a march demanding health and safety regulations for farmworkers. Vancouver, BC, April 10, 1983.
Description: The legendary union leader Cesar Chavez, president of the United Farm Workers’ of America (UFW) (center left) and Raj Chouhan, founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union (CFU) (center right) lead a major rally demanding health and safety regulations for farmworkers. Cambie Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. April 10, 1983. Photo 26 of
Show moreThe legendary union leader Cesar Chavez, president of the United Farm Workers’ of America (UFW) (center left) and Raj Chouhan, founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union (CFU) (center right) lead a major rally demanding health and safety regulations for farmworkers. Cambie Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. April 10, 1983. Photo 26 of 30.
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Date: 1983-04-10

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 28 by Craig Berggold. CFU rally demanding health and safety regulations for farmworkers. Vancouver, BC, April 10, 1983.
Description: From January to March 1983, the “CFU participated in a WCB sub-committee which was established to draft guidelines for pesticide regulations in the agricultural industry. These guidelines were completed.” However on March 10, the Social Credit BC provincial government reversed its announcement from a year ago and “removed the enforcement of WCB
Show moreFrom January to March 1983, the “CFU participated in a WCB sub-committee which was established to draft guidelines for pesticide regulations in the agricultural industry. These guidelines were completed.” However on March 10, the Social Credit BC provincial government reversed its announcement from a year ago and “removed the enforcement of WCB health and safety regulations for the agricultural industry. In their place, they suggested establishing an educational Farm Safety Agency.” The CFU responded with two demonstrations. At a CFU rally on March 22, 200 people demonstrated at the WCB headquarters, in Richmond, BC, and were joined by the BC Federation of Labour’s Health and Safety committee delegates, and again, on April 10, the CFU rallied 350 people in downtown Vancouver. In February 1983, the BC Human Rights Commission described the working and living conditions of British Columbia farmworkers as ‘systemic discrimination’ and a form of ‘legislative racism’. Georgia St. & Howe St., Vancouver, British Columbia. April 10, 1983. Photo 28 of 30.
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Date: 1983-04-10

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 29 by Craig Berggold. CFU picket signs after the rally. Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, April 10, 1983.
Description: Picket signs after the rally. Robson Square, Vancouver, British Columbia. April 10, 1983. Photo 29 of 30.
Date: 1983-04-10

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 30 by Craig Berggold. CFU executive member Pritam Kaur and her farm worker friends protest the exclusion of farmworkers from health and safety regulations. Vancouver, BC, April 10, 1983.
Description: Farmworker Pritam Kaur and her friends rally at a Canadian Farmworkers’ Union demonstration protesting the exclusion of farmworkers from health and safety regulations. Robson Square, Vancouver, British Columbia. April 10, 1983. Ten years later, in 1993, and some 73 years after the workers’ compensation system was established, the Workers’
Show moreFarmworker Pritam Kaur and her friends rally at a Canadian Farmworkers’ Union demonstration protesting the exclusion of farmworkers from health and safety regulations. Robson Square, Vancouver, British Columbia. April 10, 1983. Ten years later, in 1993, and some 73 years after the workers’ compensation system was established, the Workers’ Compensation Board (now WorkSafeBC) implemented health and safety regulations for agricultural workers. These were introduced into law by BC Minister of Labour Moe Sihota, the first Indo-Canadian elected to any federal or provincial riding. These changes were driven by the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union and the broad social movement that rallied in support of justice for BC farmworkers. Farmworkers have experienced a long history of government neglect and legislative inequality. Without adequate enforcement at all levels, regulations are ineffective. Photo 30 of 30.
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Date: 1983-04-10

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 23 by Craig Berggold. A volunteer tutor uses ‘problem-posing’ drawings to deal with issues like “Bringing Strawberries to the Scales.” Vancouver, BC, March 1983.
Description: A volunteer tutor uses ‘problem-posing’ drawings to deal with issues like “Bringing Strawberries to the Scales.” The union recognized that one of the major stumbling blocks for many elderly farmworkers was not being able to speak and understand English. Working with the BC Teachers’ Federation and Frontier College, the union developed the E.S.L
Show moreA volunteer tutor uses ‘problem-posing’ drawings to deal with issues like “Bringing Strawberries to the Scales.” The union recognized that one of the major stumbling blocks for many elderly farmworkers was not being able to speak and understand English. Working with the BC Teachers’ Federation and Frontier College, the union developed the E.S.L Crusade that focused on the practical English that workers needed to learn for their farmwork jobs, such as the handling of pesticides. South Vancouver, British Columbia. March 1983. Photo 23 of 30.
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Date: 1983-03-01

Title: Hoss Farm mushroom workers' picket line in South Langley, BC. Sakhdarshanpar Machi, Jasbir Kaur Sagoo and Jasweer Kaur Brar (left to right), fired for joing the Canadian Farmworkers Union.
Description: On May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included
Show moreOn May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included working up to 15 hours per day with no overtime, being paid at piece rates amounting to $2-$3 an hour (far less than minimum wage), no bathrooms or cleaning facilities, and dismissal for union activity.
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Date: 1984-05-29

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 25 by Craig Berggold. An ESL graduate holds her 'A Time to Learn, A Time to Grow' certificate at the annual graduation ceremony. Vancouver, BC, March 1983.
Description: An E.S.L graduate holds her A Time to Learn, A Time to Grow certificate at the annual graduation ceremony. The second year of the Farmworkers’ E.S.L. Crusade saw enrollment double with over 40 farmworkers and 10 volunteer tutors. Sunset Community Centre, South Vancouver. British Columbia. May 1984. Photo 25 of 30.
Date: 1984-05-06

Title: Hoss Farm mushroom worker's picket line in South Langley, BC. New hired pickers cross picket line to enter farm.
Description: On May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included
Show moreOn May 27, 1984, eleven women mushroom pickers were fired at Hoss Farm; five for signing Canadian Farmworkers’ Union cards and six more who then approached the Indo-Canadian grower about his actions. At Hoss Farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included working up to 15 hours per day with no overtime, being paid at piece rates amounting to $2-$3 an hour (far less than minimum wage), no bathrooms or cleaning facilities, and dismissal for union activity.
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Date: 1984-05-29

Title: Rally Against Changes to Unemployment Insurance Regulations, Vancouver, Georgia Street. Group of male farm workers. UIC be fair to seasonal workers!
Description: Rally attended by 600 farmworkers and supporters to protest new Unemployment Insurance 16 week rule required for UI benefits. CFU collected over 8000 signatures against the 16 week rule and presented petition.
Date: 1986-05-22

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 12 by Craig Berggold. Sakhdarshanpar Machi, Jasbir Kaur Sagoo and Jasweer Kaur Brar, all new union members on picket duty. South Langley, BC, May 29, 1984.
Description: Sakhdarshanpar Machi, Jasbir Kaur Sagoo and Jasweer Kaur Brar (left to right), all new union members on picket duty along the lonely rural road leading to the mushroom farm. At Hoss’s mushroom farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included working up to 15
Show moreSakhdarshanpar Machi, Jasbir Kaur Sagoo and Jasweer Kaur Brar (left to right), all new union members on picket duty along the lonely rural road leading to the mushroom farm. At Hoss’s mushroom farm the women had had enough of the poor working conditions that were typical for many mushroom workers in the Fraser Valley. This included working up to 15 hours per day with no overtime, being paid at piece rates amounting to $2-$3 an hour (far less than minimum wage), no bathrooms or cleaning facilities, and dismissal for union activity. Langley/Aldergrove area, British Columbia. May 29, 1984. Photo 12 of 30.
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Date: 1984-05-29

Title: Rally Against Changes to Unemployment Insurance Regulations, Vancouver, Georgia Street. United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union leader John Radosevic addresses the rally. Bonni Devlin holds bullhorn.
Description: Rally attended by 600 farmworkers and supporters to protest new Unemployment Insurance 16 week rule required for UI benefits. CFU collected over 8000 signatures against the 16 week rule and presented petition.
Date: 1986-05-22

Title: Rally Against Changes to Unemployment Insurance Regulations, Vancouver, Georgia Street. Three male farm workers. We hate to be hungry.
Description: Rally attended by 600 farmworkers and supporters to protest new Unemployment Insurance 16 week rule required for UI benefits. CFU collected over 8000 signatures against the 16 week rule and presented petition.
Date: 1986-05-22

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 24 by Craig Berggold. A volunteer tutor teaches counting in English to a farmworker in her home. Vancouver, BC, March 1983.
Description: A volunteer tutor teaches counting in English to a farmworker in her home. Many women were reluctant to leave their homes for classes. Many also had a lack of time available between the double duty of farmwork and housework. South Vancouver, British Columbia. March 1983. Photo 24 of 30.
Date: 1983-03-01

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