News releases
In memory of Ralph McGinn, a champion for workplace safety
May 13, 2020
We're shocked and saddened to learn of WCB Chair Ralph McGinn’s passing on Monday.
For many years, he has been at the forefront of keeping BC workers safe on the job: from his work in the 90s as WCB’s VP of Prevention, to leading the agency as President and CEO, and most recently as the board chair... more BCFED welcomes WCB decision on presumption, calls for faster implementation and more complete coverage
May 11, 2020
(Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver BC) – BC’s labour movement is pleased with the recent Workers Compensation Board (WCB) announcement that COVID-19 will be added to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act, BCFED president Laird Cronk said today.
“It’s an important... more Ensuring WCB coverage for essential workers is critical: BCFED
April 29, 2020 | Health, Safety, and Compensation
(Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver BC) — “You don’t leave your wounded soldiers on the battlefield,” BCFED president Laird Cronk said today, adding “Essential workers who become symptomatic with COVID-19 deserve WCB coverage.”
The provincial government has designated a broad range... more Laird Cronk: From banging pots and pans: Let’s build a future that delivers more for all working people
April 24, 2020
Tonight at 7 p.m., in communities all over our province, British Columbians will step out of their homes. For just a few minutes, we’ll bang pots and pans, sing and cheer in a show of support and respect for workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the pandemic, the fight against racism and discrimination must be front and centre
March 25, 2020
Sussanne Skidmore, Secretary Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) issued the following statement:
“The current health crisis has revealed how undervalued certain critical work has been in our society. I want to start off by thanking the workers on the farms throughout BC for... more BC labour movement welcomes sick leave protections, advocates for robust social supports
March 24, 2020 | Health, Safety, and Compensation
(Coast Salish territory, Vancouver BC) - The provincial response to the COVID-19 crisis includes important supports and protections for workers advocated by the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED).
Yesterday, the BC government legislated unlimited protected leave for workers who are... more Resources for workers during COVID-19
March 20, 2020
It is an overwhelming time. To help workers focus on the public health situation, the BCFED will be updating this post with resources and links to understand your rights, and get the information and supports you need. Rent and mortgage relief, preventing evictions, needed to support workers through COVID-19 economic downturn
March 19, 2020
(Coast Salish territory; Vancouver, BC) - As rent and mortgage payments come due at the end of the month, the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) is calling on all levels of government to co-ordinate and prevent evictions and mortgage foreclosures to ensure no one is removed from their... more BCFED office closing, but advocacy for workers in time of health and economic crisis continues
March 17, 2020
Laird Cronk, President of the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED), issued the following statement for COVID-19
The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) is moving towards the closure of our Vancouver-based office as soon as practicable to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but our advocacy on behalf of... more Unions issue urgent call for paid and protected sick leave for all workers in BC
March 16, 2020
(Coast Salish territory; Vancouver, BC): As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts and shuts down BC’s economy, the labour movement is calling on the provincial and federal governments to move urgently to guarantee paid, protected sick leave and other income supports for all workers.
The... more