A History of UFCW’s advocacy for agricultural workers

A History of UFCW’s advocacy for agricultural workers

UFCW Canada plays a significant role in organizing and providing assistance to agricultural workers across Canada. While governments ignore the plight of agricultural workers, UFCW Canada has always been and continues to be committed to improving the working conditions of all agricultural workers.

Over the past three decades, UFCW has provided advocacy and support efforts to tens of thousands of domestic and migrant farm workers in Canada. Assistance is provided to workers in their own language on issues such as employer abuse; unsafe housing and working conditions; overcharging for rent or demanding recruitment fees; unilateral repatriations; and other threats or actions of employer reprisal.

UFCW Canada is also seen by the federal government as an ongoing principal stakeholder and consultant on matters regarding agriculture and food policy, as well as labour force issues and temporary and foreign workers programs.

As the only viable sector partner, UFCW Canada has led the way for over three decades as a representative voice for agriculture workers and has established itself as the most authoritative and devoted labour body in advancing and protecting the rights and safety of farm workers in the country.

In Ontario, there have been decades of legal battles fighting for the right of freedom of association for agricultural workers in the light of unjust legislation. Read the full timeline here.