Bill 6 outcry ignores consultations, market realities says farmworkers' union

The group behind the push for farm safety legislation is disappointed by the backlash against Bill 6 and says it's disingenuous for protesters to suggest there haven't been consultations.

Eric Musekamp, president of the Farmworkers Union of Alberta, says major commissions and boards from the agriculture sector have been working with the government on new rules for years.

• Alberta's Bill 6: Answers to common questions
• Rachel Notley pens Bill 6 letter to Albertans on Facebook
• Bill 6 document contradicting Alberta labour minister's claims described as 'miscommunications'

"These people that are upset either haven't been taking part in what's going on, haven't paid attention, or don't like what they're hearing," he said.

"Or maybe they're not getting good information from their boards and their sector groups. But the government has been working with them all the way along. So it's not rooted in reality."

The bill wouldbring workers' compensation and occupational health and safety regulations to Alberta farms. After an outcry from protesters, the government said the new rules would not affect family members or neighbours helping neighbours and claimed that was its intention all along.

Market share

Musekamp also saidit could cost Alberta marketshare if the new rules aren't put in place because major food processors and retailers such as Walmart, General Millsand McDonalds have all made public commitments toward sustainable food sources, which includesthe treatment of farm workers.

"If we don't have child labour legislation and the right to unionize and everything that's in Bill 6, if we don't have that in place we're going to lose market share. These major corporations are simply not gonna buy our product," he said.

• MORE ALBERTANEWS |Construction, not oil, is king in Alberta's economy
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Vietnamese Boat People raise money to help Syrian refugees

Musekamp thinksthe government has been overwhelmed by the outcry against the legislation andthat constructive dialogue has been set aside.

He says along with proclaiming Bill 6, he'd like to see the government create a farm and ranch training society modelled on the experience in British Columbia.

He says such an initiative could quell a lot of concerns and reduce death and injury on farms.