Work In Our Orchards

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information about growers, by region, and

their orchards.

Cherry harvest usually starts in late June in Osoyoos, and gradually works its way north. Depending on how warm it has been onward from blossom time in April, the harvest date may vary 7-8 days from year to year. Harvest around Kelowna usually starts just about July 10. Harvest in the Winfield/ Okanagan Centre areas, as well as some of the higher elevations south of Kelowna, starts late July. In the Creston area harvest usually starts in late July and lasts through much of August.   The season on each farm depends on the varieties of cherries grown, typically lasting anything from two to six weeks. During the most intense part of the season many growers will harvest daily, but try to take at least one day off per week, though this is not always possible.

Harvest is weather dependant, and ceases during periods of rain. Very prolonged rain may cause extensive "splitting" on the cherries - occasionally to the point where further harvesting is not economically viable.

TYPICAL HOURS OF WORK:

Picking crews generally work from sunrise until noon, depending on the heat.  Packinghouse shifts generally start an hour or two later and run for 8 or 9 hours. Some orchards may run two shifts or picking crews come in after picking to do a short shift in the afternoon.

WAGES:

Wages vary from orchard to orchard but there is a minimum picking piecework rate of $2.05 per pail, including holiday pay.  Packinghouse wages usually depend on experience and skill, most paying well above minimum wage for hourly jobs.  Some packinghouses offer piecework pay systems for sorting.

WHO'S HIRING?

Grower members of the Okanagan Kootenay Cherry Growers Assocation are listed in the Orchards link. Most keep "lists" from year to year so be sure to make your contacts early with the individual orchardist. A few of the larger farms have their own linked websites to provide more details as to what to expect.  Many growers have on-site camping facilities for their workers.

WORK VISAS

If you require information about working in Canada, click on the links below to obtain information regarding eligibility, working visas, working holidays and more.  Information on Working Holiday visas is only available from the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in the foreign country and there is a limited number available each year. Ages are up to 30 or 35 years and it is a one year term.  Qualifying countries include New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Korea, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, UK, Sweden, Germany.

Working Temporarily in Canada - Canadian Immigration

Working Holiday Program - France

Working Holiday Program - New Zealand Citizens

Working Holiday Program - Australian citizens

Working Holiday Program - Korean and Japanese citizens

Working Holiday Program - Czech Republic citizens

Canada Immigration Foreign Worker Manual

BC LABOUR LAWS AND EMPLOYEE RIGHTS

Okanagan Kootenay Cherry Growers listed on our website strive to provide good employment conditions and terms or work in our orchards, and treat each other with respect and consideration.  Good labour relations are important to us, and we encourage employers and employees to communicate openly, deal fairly with disputes, know and follow the laws.  Employment terms are governed by the labour regulations of BC, with some special regulations applying to agriculuture. For more information go to Farm Workers' Fact Sheet .  For assistance with serious legal problems such as non-payment of wages, employees may seek resolution through the BC Ministry of Labour -

     Employment Standards local office:

     102, 1690 Powick Road, Kelowna BC V1X 7G5
     Phone: 250  861-7404  Facsimile: 250 861-7428

While the Association takes no responsibility for the conduct of our members, you may also voice concerns to the OKCGA if our members are not living up to objectives.

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USEFUL LINKS...

Travel Cuts
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society's Agricultural Employment Office	Human Resources
Monster.Ca Visa Information