John Radosevic Interview, Workers’ Rights in the Fishing Industry
John Radosevic was born in Croatia (former Yugoslavia) before moving to Canada as a young boy. As a teenager he worked on an uncle’s ranch in Alberta and in the dangerous job of tie-up man in seine fishing in BC In 1971, he began working as an organizer for the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union (UFAWU).
This interview was conducted by Sean Griffin on May 2, 2019 in Burnaby, BC. It is part of our Oral History Collection.
John Radosevic was born in Croatia (former Yugoslavia) before moving to Canada as a young boy. As a teenager he worked on an uncle’s ranch in Alberta and in the dangerous job of tie-up man in seine fishing in B.C. In 1971, he began working as an organizer for the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union (UFAWU). He later became a business agent, secretary-treasurer, and president of the union. When he retired after 34 years in the industry, he continued working on the Union Protein Project (formerly known as Protein for People). In this interview he recounts his experiences in many disputes and policy issues during his time in the fishing industry including the Aboriginal Fishing Strategy, the Mifflin Plan, and an investigation by the Combines Investigation Branch.