How Many Deaths Will It Take?, Podcast Ep. 18
The Canadian Farmworkers’ Union (CFU) was a grassroots champion for BC’s Fraser Valley farmworkers, who toiled in dreadful, unregulated conditions in the 1970s and ‘80s. The story of this union is about a social movement as much as an organizing drive. In this episode of our On the Line podcast, we share this powerful history through the voices of workers who were there, courageous workers who saw the wrongs taking place and vowed to do something about it.
Publication date: November 25, 2022
Podcast length: 33:38
Hosted by: Rod Mickleburgh
Research and writing by: Patricia Wejr and Rod Mickleburgh
Production by: John Mabbott
In the 1970s, thousands of South Asian immigrants faced exploitation, meagre wages, and hazardous living and working conditions on British Columbia farms. These workers, often recruited by unscrupulous labour contractors, were housed in appalling quarters with little regard for their health or safety.
Raj Chouhan, a former farmworker who had been dismissed for questioning conditions, became a pivotal figure in advocating for change. He, along with others like Dr. Hari Sharma, formed the Indian People’s Association in North America (IPANA), initially focusing on workers’ rights, equality, justice, and anti-racism. They soon discovered that farmworkers were not covered by essential legislation such as the Employment Standards Act, the Labour Code, or Health and Safety Regulations.
Organizing farmworkers was an arduous task, fraught with intimidation and fear of job loss or even deportation. Raj Chouhan recalls it took five years from his initial contact in 1973 to gather just 20 farmworkers for their first meeting in 1978, a significant milestone in their struggle. Sarwan Boal, another early organizer, vividly describes the 15-hour days spent building trust within the community. Their commitment often placed them in danger, as highlighted by an incident where a farmer confronted Boal and a colleague with a gun.
The movement gained momentum, drawing support from unexpected places. Charan Gill, a social activist, helped transform the Canadian Farmworkers Union into a broader social movement. Paul Gill recounts an inspiring visit from César Chávez, the legendary head of the United Farm Workers of America, who emphasized the power of organized action. Harinder Mahil, an active member of the IWA, leveraged his connections to garner support from mainstream organizations like the Canadian Labour Congress, BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), and the International Woodworkers of America (IWA), which readily offered assistance.
Beyond traditional organizing, the Canadian Farmworkers Union integrated social and cultural initiatives. They launched a groundbreaking crusade with the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and Frontier College to teach Punjabi-speaking farmworkers basic English, using a curriculum that also taught learners about their political rights. Paul Binning helped connect performance and songs to labour activism, using bhangra to inspire and mobilize the community.
While the Canadian Farmworkers Union ultimately faded, its legacy is profound. Raj Chouhan emphasizes that the union provided a formal structure to articulate concerns and fundamentally improved working and living conditions for all farmworkers. Paul Gill notes a significant shift in attitudes, where farmworkers gained self-respect and were no longer viewed as mere “chattel”. Raj Chouhan himself went on to become the Speaker of the House in the provincial legislature, a testament to the enduring impact of his early activism. The story of the Canadian Farmworkers Union stands as a noble chapter in BC’s labour movement, demonstrating the power of dedicated individuals in the face of immense adversity.