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The First Four Months, April to August 1980: A Summary of the Activities of the Canadian Farmworkers Union
One of the first internal CFU reports reviewing the FWOC and events leading up to the founding of the CFU organizing drives; certifications at Jensen Mushroom Farm, Country Farm Natural Foods Ltd and Bell Farms Ltd; Opposing forces, such as CPC (ML) and their front groups 'East Indian Defense Committee' and 'Farm Workers Defense Committee'; Government Lobby campaigns; Administration and Resources; Conclusions.
Ontario Tolpuddle Farm Labour Information Committee: Pamphlet 1: Farmworkers - the invisible minority in Ontario: an introduction for the public
A general overview of number of farms and crops, like tobacco, vegetable, berries, fruits, mushrooms. Farmworker facts like population and geographic distribution in Ontario. 'The majority of full time workers are Portuguese.' Problems faced by farmworkers; low wages; health and safety; living conditions; child labour; discrimination; Isolation. One of a series of four booklets. Photography by Carole Conde and Karl Beveridge. Produced between Fall 1982 and March 1983.
Ontario Tolpuddle Farm Labour Information Committee: Pamphlet 2: Farmworkers Speak Out - our rights - our health and safety
Told in the voice of a farmworker who relates the miserable working conditions and poverty wages with very few labour law rights. Issues around pesticide exposure. Knowing your rights: What to do if hurt; employment standards; protecting your health and safety; what to do if you have been poisoned. One of a series of four booklets. Photography by Carole Conde and Karl Beveridge. Produced between Fall 1982 and March 1983.
Ontario Tolpuddle Farm Labour Information Committee: Pamphlet 3: Migrant workers and their families
Headlines: Off-shore workers; Housing and Living Conditions; Health and Safety; Racism and Discrimination; Social and Cultural Life. One of a series of four booklets. Photography by Carole Conde and Karl Beveridge. Produced between Fall 1982 and March 1983.
Ontario Tolpuddle Farm Labour Information Committee: Pamphlet 4: Family life, women and child labour
A 1973 provincial Ontario task force disclosed that child labour and other forms of exploitation are the norm. What is pregnancy leave and who is entitled to it? One of a series of four booklets. Photography by Carole Conde and Karl Beveridge. Produced between Fall 1982 and March 1983.
From the land of the maple: Ontario
Ontario shield with with Blue and Red Ensigns left and right. Maple leaf at bottom left
Art for Organizing: Canadian Farmworkers Union - Invitation to CLC delegates
An invitation, to union officers and CLC Convention delegates, to attend the CFU art show 'Art For Organizing: Canadian Farmworkers Union' at the A Space Gallery, Toronto, highlighting farmworkers precarious health and safety laws. This April 28, 1986 event coincides with the CLC's first 'Day of Mourning' in remembrance of the thousands of workers killed on the job. The date is picked because it is the anniversary of the original federal Workers' Compensation Act in Canada in 1914.
Art for Organizing: Canadian Farmworkers Union - Installation Drawing - I Would Like To Tell You A Story... Health and Safety Regulations Now!
Drawing and notes for the gallery installation premiered at the exhibition 'Art for Organizing: Canadian Farmworkers Union' at A Space Gallery, Toronto. The room size installation was also installed at the 1986 Vancouver Artropolis art show. Based on photo number seven from the photo narrative series 'I Would Like To Tell You A Story... Health and Safety Regulations Now!' by Craig Berggold. See installation notes.
Ontario Public Meeting! Tobacco Workers
Come and find out about the Canadian Farmworkers Union and share your concerns about working conditions on the Tobacco Farms in the Simcoe, Delhi, Tillsonburg area.
Ontario: Letter to Craig Berggold for summer organizing
Offer to volunteer during summer organizing campaign.
Ontario - Canadian Farmworkers Union
First proposal and budget to OFL to fund CFU organizers. Background to CFU organizing campaign in Ontario with a review of Ontario provincial labour laws that exclude famworkers. Appendix includes: OFL 1974 Statement on Farm Labour; excerpts from Ontario Labour Relations Act; Ontario Health and Safety Act 1978; Letter to Ontario MPP Robert MacKenzie about farmworkers exclusion from Labour Relations Act; OFL union resolutions; 1980 Media Release for first collective agreement between CFU and…
Farmworkers and Pesticides
Two CFU reps traveled to Toronto hearings March 10, 1982 to present at the federal task force reviewing Captan and IBT pesticides. An excellent summary of farmworkers and pesticide exposure, including lack of regulations for protective clothing, posting signs in the fields. Lack of knowledge on pesticide poisoning, training for pesticide storage and handling, and dangers of pesticides, etc.
A Time to Rise - Press Release
A press release for the National Film Board film A 'Time to Rise' screening in Toronto.
Ontario: Farmers Fear Violent Clash With New Union
The letter is a rebuttal to an inflammatory headline in the Toronto Star newspaper. An example of media manipulation in support of property interests at the expense of workers.
Ontario Media Release: CFU-Ontario Public Meeting on 'Tobacco Poisoning' of Farm Workers
A CFU public meeting, July 27, 1981, in Delhi, Ontario, on health and safety of tobacco workers. This meeting is on the eve of the tobacco harvest in southern Ontario in the Simcoe, Delhi, Tillsonburg area the center of tobacco industry when many migrants are just arriving.