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Suspension of 16 private vehicle inspection facilities highlights lack of safety for BC farmworkers
June 8, 2007
Vancouver—The suspension of 16 private vehicle inspection facilities continues to highlight the lack of safety for BC farmworkers, said B.C. Federation of Labour President, Jim Sinclair.
Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon revealed June 7th that one-third of private vehicle inspection facilities were suspended by the provincial government after 47 facilities were investigated last month. The investigation grew from the re-instatement of roadside spot-checks of passenger vans transporting farmworkers, following a van crash in March that killed three women farmworkers.
"After denying there were any problems in the transportation of farmworkers, the BC Liberal government’s own investigation shows how serious the problem is," Sinclair said. "Now the Transportation Minister is openly admitting that there may be serious, perhaps criminal issues involving kick-back schemes."
Earlier this year, the Federation submitted 29 recommendations to the provincial government to improve the safety and working conditions facing BC farmworkers. Those recommendations included a request to establish an inter-agency team and that the team conduct an immediate review of BC’s vehicle inspection regime and report back within 90 days.
"It’s sad that three workers had to die before this government took any action," stated Sinclair. "Now the de-regulation Minister is learning first-hand the value of safety regulations and their enforcement."
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