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Title: Jensen Mushroom Farm signing a first contract, July 30, 1982.
Description: Mr. Jensen (left) and Raj Chouhan (center) sign a first contract. It took two years, since the CFU’s first certification and after a 15-month bitter strike, before the CFU Local No.1 and Jensen Mushroom Farm Ltd. signed a first contract.
Date: 1982-07-30

Title: Canadian Farmworkers Union President Raj Chouhan speaks to farm workers in the Fraser Valley fields.
Description: Canadian Farmworkers Union President Raj Chouhan speaks to Indo-Canadian farm workers in the berry fields of Fraser Valley, BC. Circa early 1980s.
Date: 1981-01-01

Title: Farmworkers ESL Crusade 1983 : Photo Book by Craig Berggold
Description: A large format hand-made photo book documenting the first year of the CFU 'ESL Crusade' in South Vancouver student homes. Twelve photos by Craig Berggold.
Date: 1983-04-01

Title: Canadian Farmworkers Union Founding Convention April 6, 1980. Raj Chouhan speaks.
Description: Canadian Farmworkers Union was founded in New Westminster, British Columbia. "This is the first union in Canada's history formed by farmworkers to improve the working conditions in the agricultural industry. The Union's formation was the result of one year of intensive work by the Farmworkers Organizing Committee (FWOC) in the Fraser Valley."
Date: 1980-04-06

Title: Equality for Farmworkers Demonstration - Canadian Farmworkers Union. No More Labor Contractors.
Description: At the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery, 400 demonstrators attend a CFU rally 'Equality for Farmworkers', protesting an end to legislative discrimination and farmworkers exclusions from provincial BC Employment Standards and Workers' Compensation Act.
Date: 1981-08-21

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 15 by Craig Berggold. Farmworkers operating heavy equipment harvesting carrots at Fraser Valley Frozen Foods, Chilliwack, BC, October 1983.
Description: Farmworkers operating heavy equipment harvesting carrots at Fraser Valley Frozen Foods. On June 28, 1983, the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union signed a two-year contract representing 60 farmworkers, mostly of European origin, at Fraser Valley Frozen Foods. The contracts 1984 hourly wage rates were $6.24 - $10.21; the average rate $7.58. Chilliwack,
Show moreFarmworkers operating heavy equipment harvesting carrots at Fraser Valley Frozen Foods. On June 28, 1983, the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union signed a two-year contract representing 60 farmworkers, mostly of European origin, at Fraser Valley Frozen Foods. The contracts 1984 hourly wage rates were $6.24 - $10.21; the average rate $7.58. Chilliwack, British Columbia. October 1983. Photo 15 of 30.
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Date: 1983-10-01

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: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 01 by Craig Berggold. Women field worker topping Brussels sprout suckers. Aldergrove, BC, October 1983.
Description: Women field worker topping Brussels sprout suckers. Aldergrove, British Columbia. October 1983. Photo 1 of 30.
Date: 1983-10-01

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: Operation Solidarity. CFU members attend a Solidarity Rally at Empire Stadium, Vancouver.
Description: Vancouver Sath writer, Paul Binning and son, hold a sign 'Socred Government is Racist'. The BC provincial government's restraint policy inspired a 'Solidarity' rally at Empire Stadium, Vancouver, at which more than 40,000 public and private sector workers and community groups aired their protests. The CFU marched in BC wide demonstrations (July 23,
Show moreVancouver Sath writer, Paul Binning and son, hold a sign 'Socred Government is Racist'. The BC provincial government's restraint policy inspired a 'Solidarity' rally at Empire Stadium, Vancouver, at which more than 40,000 public and private sector workers and community groups aired their protests. The CFU marched in BC wide demonstrations (July 23, July 27, Aug 10, Oct 15, 1983) protesting the ‘Restraint’ budget of Social Credit BC Premier Bill Bennett. Amongst its many cuts the provincial government disbanded the BC Human Rights Commission. CFU participates in the following: Operation Solidarity, Lower Mainland Solidarity Coalition, Solidarity Coalition, Women Against the Budget, and Sikh Coalition.
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Date: 1983-08-10

Title: Operation Solidarity. Vancouver Firefighter's lead Solidarity Rally at Empire Stadium, Vancouver.
Description: The BC provincial government's restraint policy inspired a 'Solidarity' rally at Empire Stadium, Vancouver, at which more than 40,000 public and private sector workers and community groups aired their protests. The CFU marched in BC wide demonstrations (July 23, July 27, Aug 10, Oct 15, 1983) protesting the ‘Restraint’ budget of Social Credit BC
Show moreThe BC provincial government's restraint policy inspired a 'Solidarity' rally at Empire Stadium, Vancouver, at which more than 40,000 public and private sector workers and community groups aired their protests. The CFU marched in BC wide demonstrations (July 23, July 27, Aug 10, Oct 15, 1983) protesting the ‘Restraint’ budget of Social Credit BC Premier Bill Bennett. Amongst its many cuts the provincial government disbanded the BC Human Rights Commission. CFU participates in the following: Operation Solidarity, Lower Mainland Solidarity Coalition, Solidarity Coalition, Women Against the Budget, and Sikh Coalition.
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Date: 1983-08-10

Title: Vancouver Sath Picket Line Tour, Fraser Valley, BC, 1988. Actor Makhan Tut as a seasonal berry picker listens to actress Anju Hundal about the dangers of pesticides in Vancouver Sath's play 'A Crop of Posion' .
Description: March 6 to April 10, 1988, Vancouver Sath Theatre collective performs two plays ‘A Crop of Poison’ and ‘Picket Line’ (both written by Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal) for the Fraser Valley CFU cultural programme called Picket Line Tour. Over 1,000 people attended four venues. Funded by Canada Council Explorations Grant. 'A Crop of Poison' (Jahar
Show moreMarch 6 to April 10, 1988, Vancouver Sath Theatre collective performs two plays ‘A Crop of Poison’ and ‘Picket Line’ (both written by Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal) for the Fraser Valley CFU cultural programme called Picket Line Tour. Over 1,000 people attended four venues. Funded by Canada Council Explorations Grant. 'A Crop of Poison' (Jahar di Fasal) is about farmworkers and the health and safety of pesticide use. Vancouver Sath, formed in 1983, is a collective of Punjabi writers from the Lower Mainland, BC.
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Date: 1988-03-06

Title: Vancouver Sath Picket Line Tour, Fraser Valley, BC, 1988. Actor as Pesticide Sprayer in Vancouver Sath's play 'A Crop of Posion' about the dangers of pesticides.
Description: March 6 to April 10, 1988, Vancouver Sath Theatre collective performs two plays ‘A Crop of Poison’ and ‘Picket Line’ (both written by Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal) for the CFU cultural programme called Picket Line Tour. Over 1,000 people attended four venues in the Fraser Valley. Funded by Canada Council Explorations Grant. 'A Crop of Poison'
Show moreMarch 6 to April 10, 1988, Vancouver Sath Theatre collective performs two plays ‘A Crop of Poison’ and ‘Picket Line’ (both written by Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal) for the CFU cultural programme called Picket Line Tour. Over 1,000 people attended four venues in the Fraser Valley. Funded by Canada Council Explorations Grant. 'A Crop of Poison' (Jahar di Fasal) is about farmworkers and the health and safety of pesticide use. Vancouver Sath, formed in 1983, is a collective of Punjabi writers from the Lower Mainland, BC.
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Date: 1988-03-06

Title: Vancouver Sath Picket Line Tour, Fraser Valley, BC, 1988. Actor Sukhwant Hundal talks to the fired farm workers in Vancouver Sath's play 'Picket Line'. Actor Harji Sangra (far right).
Description: March 6 to April 10, 1988, Vancouver Sath Theatre collective performs two plays ‘A Crop of Poison’ and ‘Picket Line’ (both written by Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal) for the CFU cultural programme called Picket Line Tour. Over 1,000 people attended four venues in the Fraser Valley. Funded by Canada Council Explorations Grant. 'Picket Line' is
Show moreMarch 6 to April 10, 1988, Vancouver Sath Theatre collective performs two plays ‘A Crop of Poison’ and ‘Picket Line’ (both written by Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal) for the CFU cultural programme called Picket Line Tour. Over 1,000 people attended four venues in the Fraser Valley. Funded by Canada Council Explorations Grant. 'Picket Line' is based on the Hoss Farm women mushroom workers who joined the CFU and fought to improve working conditions. Vancouver Sath, formed in 1983, is a collective of Punjabi writers from the Lower Mainland, BC.
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Date: 1988-03-06

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: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 16 by Craig Berggold. Tractor operator at Fraser Valley Frozen Foods, Chilliwack, BC, October 1983.
Description: Tractor operator at Fraser Valley Frozen Foods. In 1989, the company and the union signed a landmark three-year contract. For the first time, the contract included provision for the federal Workplace Hazardous Material Information (WHMIS) program. While the contract still allowed the use of pesticides, farm workers would be trained in their safe
Show moreTractor operator at Fraser Valley Frozen Foods. In 1989, the company and the union signed a landmark three-year contract. For the first time, the contract included provision for the federal Workplace Hazardous Material Information (WHMIS) program. While the contract still allowed the use of pesticides, farm workers would be trained in their safe application and could refuse to spray pesticides without fear of employer retribution. Chilliwack, British Columbia. October 1983. Photo 16 of 30.
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Date: 1983-10-01

Title: Health and safety demonstration at the WCB headquarters in Richmond, BC, Aug 18, 1983. CFU organizers Sarwan Boal and Mike Fleming with Operation Solidarity labour supporters.
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. This rally and photo is circa summer 1983, with Operation Solidarity supporters.
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Date: 1983-10-15

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 19 by Craig Berggold. After cutting, the field worker throws the cauliflower to the packing truck. Abbotsford, BC, October 1983.
Description: After cutting, the field worker throws the cauliflower to the packing truck. Abbotsford, British Columbia. October 1983. Photo 19 of 30.
Date: 1983-10-01

Title: A Time To Change Exhibition. Photo 20 by Craig Berggold. A crew of field workers catch their breath at the packing truck during the cauliflower harvest. Abbotsford, BC, October 1983.
Description: A crew of field workers catch their breath at the packing truck during the cauliflower harvest. Abbotsford, British Columbia. October 1983. Photo 20 of 30.
Date: 1983-10-01

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

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