News releases

Solidarity and celebration in the face of hate: BCFED statement on Pride Month

June 2, 2023
The BC Federation of Labour today released the following statement by federation president Sussanne Skidmore: Pride was born as an act of protest, led by Black and Latina trans women. It was sparked in defiance of persecution, and an expression of both individual courage and community strength. It’... more

BCFED Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

May 17, 2023
We mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2023 during an especially difficult year for 2SLGBTQIA+ people around the world. We've seen a growing number of hateful incidents. Thankfully, we've also seen strong community responses — and BC's unions have been proud to... more

Action still urgently needed to protect workers’ lives and health: BCFED statement on Day of Mourning

The BCFED released the following statement on the Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace:April 28 is a sacred day for working people: we remember those we’ve lost, and those who have been injured or made sick, because of their work.

Wide support for employment protections for app-based workers: poll

April 27, 2023 | Employment Standards
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) A poll conducted by Research Co. for the BC Federation of Labour shows overwhelming support among British Columbians for ensuring app-based gig workers receive basic employment protections.... more

BCFED condemns Mayor Sim’s “callous, dehumanizing” DTES tactics

April 12, 2023
We condemn the callous, dehumanizing tactics used by Mayor Ken Sim’s administration in forcibly dismantling encampments in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Their actions will do nothing to address the needs that have given rise to these encampments and will instead inflict misery on some of our... more

Minimum wage increase will help ensure low-income workers don’t fall behind: BCFED

April 5, 2023
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) Today’s minimum wage increase announcement will give BC’s lowest-paid workers a much-needed raise, and help them keep up with the cost of living, said BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore today. “... more

BCFED marks Transgender Day of Visibility and the value of “being seen for who we are”

March 31, 2023
The BC Federation of Labour today released the following statement on the International Transgender Day of Visibility from BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore:Today, we celebrate transgender people: as coworkers, friends, neighbours, family, leaders and members of our community. And we celebrate the... more

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, back up words with action: BCFED

March 21, 2023
Today, we recommit to stand in solidarity with all those who face racial discrimination and injustice in British Columbia, across Canada and throughout the world. None of us may rest until racism is truly a thing of the past.

BCFED calls on Vancouver City Council to reverse decision to abandon living wage

March 2, 2023
The BC Federation of Labour today released the following statement:We are calling on Vancouver City Council to immediately reverse their appalling decision to abandon the city’s five-year-long status as a living-wage employer.

BCFED joins over 125 organizations signing open letter calling for pay equity legislation

March 2, 2023
The BC Federation of Labour, along with more than 125 organizations, has signed an open letter calling on the BC government to enact pay equity legislation.The province's planned pay transparency legislation is a start — but it only discloses the gender gap. We need pay equity legislation... more