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Interview with Sarwan Boal
Focuses on CFU President Sarwan Boal, as the Canadian Labour Congress representative on the federal governments Federal Pesticide Registration Review Team. Issues include NAFTA and the weakening of the registration system; Proposal for a Revised Federal Pest Management Regulatory System; WHMIS for pesticides and provisions for Crop sheets; federal Dept of Agriculture vs. Dept of Labour;
Safety in Okanagan Orchards 1983
Recommendations to improve migrant Quebecois fruit pickers living and working conditions in the Okanagan, BC.
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.
Canadian Farmworkers Union National Constitution Amendments 1981
Changes voted to the first CFU Constitution by delegates at the First CFU National Convention.
Country Farms Natural Foods Ltd and Canadian Farmworkers Union Local No.1 - Wage Proposals for Collective Agreement
The CFU did not recommend this negotiated first contract to the workers because of the difference between the grower and union of thirteen cents in the hourly rate in the wage package. On March 20, 1981, ten workers at Country Farm Natural Foods reject the employers offer. Nineteen days later on April 8 the first CFU strike begins.
Country Farm Natural Foods Ltd - Notes to Collective Agreement
This letter was sent to the CFU on the eve of the workers contract vote. On March 20, 1981 ten workers at Country Farm Natural Foods reject the employers offer. Nineteen days later on April 8 the first picket line of unionized farmworkers in Canadian history is staged for a first contract.
Forssell's Greenhouses - Return of Poll
The first CFU election lost and a very close certification vote. Issues for the CFU in the lost vote included the inclusion of non-farmworkers like long distance drivers voting. Also, Dec.1, 1980 letter from CFU staff to CFU members at Forssell announcing a 'cooling-off' period after CFU lost certification vote.
General Farm & Allied Workers Union Newsletter - Farmworkers' Voice Vol.1 No.2
General Farm & Allied Workers Union newsletter.
Jensen Mushroom Farms Ltd and Canadian Farmworkers Union Local No.1 (Application for Certification)
The mushroom grower's lawyer presents a rejection of the application for certification by claiming that the CFU is not a bona fide union to-date. Also, requests cease and desist of alleged unfair labour practice by CFU during organizing campaign.
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.
Farm Workers Organizing Committee: What is being done now
A 1980 summary of FWOC activities leading up to the CFU's founding convention. Also, staff hiring requirements.
The Farmworker
The Farmworker was first published in 1979 by the Farmworkers Organizing Committee, which later became the Canadian Farmworkers' Union (CFU). This newspaper had Punjabi content on one side and English on the other, and documented early victories and struggles of farmworkers in British Columbia, including the Fraser Valley and areas near Burnaby.

