While reading The Tyee back in late January, a story by labour economist, David Fairey (who is also a research associate of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives) and Associate Professor of Sociology at UVic, Anelyse Weiler, caught my eye… In “It’s 2023. BC Farm Workers Deserve Basic Minimum Wage Guarantees”, the authors reveal how our current piece rate system for agricultural workers is fraught with low wages, exploitation, classism, and racism. I decided to bring the duo on in order to gain a better understanding of the topic and narrative and to share their candid perspectives and insightful solutions. Do enjoy!
Mentioned:
"It’s 2023. BC Farm Workers Deserve Basic Minimum Wage Guarantees" by David Fairey and Anelyse Weiler
"Farmworkers Finally Won Overtime Pay. Now the Industry Wants to Repeal It" by Grey Moran
"Legislated Wage Suppression" by David Fairey
"Government wrong to exclude farm workers from basic minimum wage protection" by David Fairey and Anelyse Weiler
"BC Pickers: A Report on Piece Rates in Agriculture" by Mark Thompson
"Temporary Foreign Workers Hit Record Levels in BC" by Zak Vescara