locals, transients and full time employees to meet their labour needs. “We’ve benefitted from other guys


using Mexicans because there are more of the other types of workers available,”said Ron Vollo, who operates more than 30 acres of apples and cherries with Bob Thompson. Approximately 25 people, mainly transients, are hired over the course of a year, Thompson explained. Many are students, university graduates and people from other countries with work permits. “Tree planters come at the end of their season. Also some


mountaineers. Both groups are in excellent physical shape and have a good work ethic,”Thompson said. Vollo has definite selection criteria — no groups, no dogs and no marijuana smoke billowing out of car windows.


SUSAN MCIVER


Ron Vollo, left, and Bob Thompson take a break at the Happy Shack to talk about hiring employees.


“The only way to get things done your way is to do them yourself,”Powell said.


In the past, he has been pleased with the back packers from Europe


and South America he has hired, but “has not had the greatest luck with locals”.


Other Summerland orchardists continue to rely on a combination of


Thompson and Vollo have four fulltime or almost fulltime employees. “Two ladies have been with us for about 25 years. They do everything except prune in the winter,” Thompson said.


“Jan sends us people to help with the cherries,”said Vollo, referring to Jan Carlson, who, with her husband, Keith, has 50 acres of cherries in


British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Summer 2015


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