Thousands of Punjabi immigrants, many in their 50’s and 60’s, came to Canada to be close to their loved ones who sponsored them. What they encountered was a mixture of disappointment and disillusionment. Many work back breaking 12 hour days picking berries in Canada’s Frazer Valley. Some even work seven day work weeks for below minimum wages - without overtime compensatory pay and holidays. Any laborers who dare to complain are immediately fired by their contractors. These ‘sweat farms’ operate under the radar of public scrutiny. Stiff necks, sore knees and backs are common. Many are compelled to travel long distances by buses or vans leaving virtually no time for rest and recuperation from their hard labors. Vans and buses are often overcrowded lacking seat belts and other safety standards. Local governments are supposed to protect these types of abuses but are woefully understaffed or unwilling to offer much help.
Under public pressure, the government of British Columbia hired Punjabi speaking officials to town halls, agricultural fairs and farms to advise these poor workers of their basic rights. Websites have been established with relevant information in Punjabi and Hindi but it is somewhat doubtful whether these day laborers have the time or possess the computer skills to take advantage of these facilities. Three inspectors, some with Punjabi and Hindi skills, visit farms on a random basis, handing out brochures and investigating egregious complaints of violations of labor laws. Labor contractors found guilty of such violations have been issued warnings or compelled to pay small fines. It is doubtful that such fines serve as an effective deterrent. Most government officials are loath to interfere with a system that has been largely un-policed for the past 20 years. Farmers are a strong political constituency and therefore carry clout which discourages interference with their labor practices.
Indo-Canadian laborers have replaced Japanese laborers who preceded them and were also subjected to abuse and exploitation. Sikh temples, who have the resources to offer help and guidance to these senior Punjabis, have largely failed. Instead, they may be unwitting accomplices by promoting the service of unscrupulous Indo-Canadian labor contractors, many who have been found guilty of tax fraud, insurance scams and withholding wages. Working conditions are abysmal. Port-a-potties and running water are scarce forcing workers to urinate or defecate in the fields and then continue to pick berries with unwashed hands. Berries are weighed ‘Indian style’ with crude scales that invariably favor the labor bosses. The laborers are often fully aware of these abuses but are afraid to speak out lest they be blacklisted or deported. This is yet another example, of man’s exploitation of his fellow man driven by the siren song of wealth and power.
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