DMONTON – The Alberta Federation of Labour is chiding the provincial government for no longer reporting farm fatalities.

The union says the move is an example of how — quote — “agricultural workers are being erased in Alberta.”

The union says the province is the only one where farm workers aren’t covered by occupational health and safety laws.

It says they are also excluded from legislation on hours of work and overtime, statutory holidays and vacation pay.

A judicial inquiry in 2008 recommended the inclusion of farm workers in laws ensuring workplace protections.

The union says the province announced its plans on a government website and offered no meaningful explanation for the change.

Global Edmonton, Mon Aug 20 2012
The Canadian Press