Currently, farm workers are exempt from most of the statutes under Alberta's Labour Relations Code, including mandatory workman's compensation, rest breaks, the right to unite, and a (governed) safe working environment.
Musekamp, who formed the Farmworkers Union of Alberta, has been on a heavy campaign in recent weeks, to raise awareness to the importance of equal status for farm workers. By law, the Farmworkers' Union is actually an illegal union.
It's appalling that the union is technically illegal. It's great that it's still pushing forward, with public-awareness ideas like this:
On Monday, Musekamp, FUA secretary Darlene Dunlop, and supporters served up 50-cent hot dogs and soda pop next to the 'Meet the Minister' fundraiser where tickets sold at $50 each.
"We want to demonstrate to the $50 a plate crowd that the 50 cent crowd matters too," said Musekamp.
Of course, the Conservative MLA who was targeted wants to give with one hand while taking with the other. There's a long way for the Farmworkers' Union to go - but hopefully a bit more exposure will help give them due credit for their making it this far, and more opportunities to keep on in the right direction.
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