News releases

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

BCFED welcomes budget measures to help workers and families

February 28, 2023
Finance Minister Conroy’s budget makes it clear this government continues to put people first: reducing costs for families, making significant investments in mental health services, and building needed housing and infrastructure.

BCFED pays tribute to the memory of Ray Haynes

February 21, 2023
For seven decades, unions in BC have been able to count on Ray Haynes’ passion, leadership and courage — not to mention his warmth and humour. Many of us are hurting at the thought he won’t be here any more to give us his advice and, at times, gentle prodding. Our deepest condolences to Ray’s... more

BCFED statement regarding Bill 5, proposal to amend the Public Service Labour Relations Act

February 13, 2023 | Right to Join a Union
Vancouver – The following is a statement from Sussanne Skidmore, president and Hermender Singh Kailley, secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour: The BC Government Lawyers Association (BCGLA) has been seeking the right to unionize for more than a decade. They represent 350 civil... more

New statutory holiday gives working people a new way to participate in reconciliation: BCFED

February 7, 2023
By making the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday, the BC government is offering thousands of working families a new way to participate in reconciliation. This gives workers time to reflect, learn about Indigenous history and the history of residential schools, and join... more

BCFED elects Sussanne Skidmore as president and Hermender Singh Kailley as secretary-treasurer

November 24, 2022
Sussanne Skidmore will be the BC Federation of Labour’s new president, and Hermender Singh Kailley will serve as secretary-treasurer. Delegates at the BCFED's 60th convention acclaimed them to two-year terms this morning.“Working people in British Columbia are confronting extraordinary challenges... more