Workers will have 'a stronger voice at the joint health and safety table', says union
In a groundbreaking move, nearly 400 employees, most of them migrant workers, at Highline Mushrooms in British Columbia have unionized, marking a historic first in two decades. Facilitated by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1518, this unionization effort aims to address critical health and safety issues, improve working conditions, and ensure fair treatment for workers, many of whom are temporary foreign workers from countries such as Guatemala, Mexico, India, and Vietnam.
Patrick Johnson, president of UFCW Local 1518, highlighted the importance of this development: “This group of workers is inspiring because they really wanted to have a stronger voice at work. Being part of a union gives them a seat at the table with their employer in a different and stronger way.” Johnson says one of the primary motivations for the migrant workers was to ensure a safer work environment through a more effective Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
The unionization efforts at Highline Mushrooms have brought attention to several health and safety concerns unique to the mushroom farming industry. Workers often face long hours, the use of elevated beds and ladders, and exposure to extreme temperatures. “Ensuring that the equipment is safe and that workers can do their jobs safely is crucial,” Johnson notes. “This includes everything from tools and ladders to the overall working conditions.”
Johnson also pointed out the broader implications of this unionization, suggesting it could inspire other migrant workers across Canada to pursue similar actions. “These workers are essential in driving the Canadian food economy. Their successful unionization demonstrates that significant improvements in working conditions and protections are possible without jeopardizing their employment, housing, or immigration status.”
Highline Mushrooms, based in Leamington, Ontario, is the world’s largest organic mushroom grower. It expressed support for the workers' decision to unionize. “Huge congrats to these workers for stepping up to make that choice to stand together,” stated Rob McKay, vice-president of Highline Mushrooms. “We look forward to working with UFCW Canada to advance decent work in the agri-food sector and contribute to a more stable and secure labor market.”
The unionization of Highline Mushrooms’ workers is a significant step toward better working conditions and job security for migrant workers in Canada. This effort, coupled with recent amendments to the B.C. Labour Code that facilitate unionization, signals a shift towards stronger labour rights and protections for some of the most vulnerable workers in the agricultural sector.
“The ability to form a union gives you a stronger voice at a joint health and safety table and ensures that the workplace is as safe as possible,” proclaims Johnson. “This is a huge first step not only for those who joined but for all workers in the industry.”
