There's labour trouble at Portage's Mayfair Farms.

60 Mexican workers have asked to join the United Food and Commercial Workers union.

Local 832 President Ron Ziegler notes a vote was held this afternoon, even though there were enough workers in favour to make the union automatic. He adds Mayfair's position non-Canadians don't have the right to a union forced the vote.

The ballots won't be counted until at least January, when a Labour Board hearing will be held. Ziegler's confident it'll favour the workers, noting it's the first time this has been tested, and it's significant.

The main issues in the dispute are living and working conditions. Ziegler thinks Mayfair's position is wrong because foreign workers in Brandon are covered by union agreements.

Mayfair officials needed to consult with their lawyer, and declined comment.