News releases

Labour movement issues boycott, pulls millions of dollars in business from Hilton Metrotown and Pacific Gateway Hotels in support of workers

May 13, 2021 | Employment Standards
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC)  The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) is calling on the public to boycott the Hilton Metrotown and Pacific Gateway Hotel as UNITE HERE Local 40 workers battle draconian layoffs and wage and benefit... more

BC commits to permanent, paid sick leave, provides limited COVID-19-related coverage

(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) – BC announced changes to the Employment Standards Act today that will bring permanent, paid sick leave to workers in BC. The province promised further consultation with stakeholders on the details... more

Health care voices call for permanent paid sick leave program in BC

May 6, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) - Prominent voices in BC’s health sector are calling on the BC government to deliver a permanent paid sick leave program with coverage of at least ten days of worker wages. The appeal to... more

Day of Mourning remembers fallen workers on April 28

April 28, 2021
On National Day of Mourning, workers, families, employers and others come together to commemorate workers who have lost their lives due to a workplace injury or disease. The day marks an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to protecting the health, safety and well-being of all workers.

Paid vaccine leave now a guaranteed right of every worker in BC

April 28, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) The BC Federation of Labour is celebrating changes to BC’s Employment Standard’s Act which guarantees three hours of paid leave for workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The government legislation received... more

BCFED welcomes new investments in health care, caring services, and infrastructure; undaunted in continued fight for paid sick leave

April 20, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC)- Today’s provincial budget makes important investments in health care, childcare, affordable housing and infrastructure, the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) said today. The budget, however, fails to ensure... more

Paid leave to get vaccinated a victory for workers and public health

April 19, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) The BC Federation of Labour welcomed today’s announcement that the BC government will provide three hours of paid leave for workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The move follows regulations announced... more

BCFED welcomes job-protected vaccine leave, calls on province to ensure workers don’t lose pay

(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) The BC Federation of Labour welcomed today’s announcement that the BC government has improved regulations to ensure workers have job-protected leave to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Trans rights are human rights, says BCFED on International Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) — The BC Federation of Labour issued the following statement today on the International Transgender Day of Visibility: Today, on the International Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate transgender, non-... more

Labour: protect worker rights, not gig employers

March 24, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) The Canadian Labour Congress and provincial and territorial federations of labour find Uber's self‑serving proposal for Flexible Work+ dangerous, undermining and offensive to the rights and dignity of... more