News releases

Annual ‘sit-in’ to bring back Grant’s Law and protect vulnerable workers

April 16, 2016
Vancouver – The BC Federation of Labour’s Young Workers’ Committee is holding its annual overnight ‘sit-in’ to mark the anniversary when the BC Liberal government put vulnerable workers at risk by weakening Grant’s Law.

Fight for $15 National Day of Action highlights growing momentum for fair wages: Events planned in cities across the country

April 15, 2016
Vancouver – The Fight for $15 campaign to increase the minimum wage is gaining momentum across Canada. Today is the National Day of Action with Fight for $15 events taking place in cities from Vancouver to Moncton. Media are invited to attend the Vancouver rally. The event will... more

Raising the minimum wage an important step in tackling poverty

April 1, 2016
Today is April Fools’ Day. It’s a day to tell a few jokes, have some fun and be a bit of a prankster. But today is also notable for something else. It is the day that British Columbia officially moves into last place with the lowest minimum wage in the country. That’s right – as of today, no other... more

No Joke! BC now has the lowest minimum wage in the country.

March 31, 2016
No Joke! BC now has the lowest minimum wage in the country. Public opinion supports a move to $15/hour Vancouver – Today might be April Fools’ Day, but it’s no joke that BC has the lowest minimum wage in the country, says the BC Federation of Labour.

Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2016
Vancouver – The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: “Today marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The BC... more

Statement on International Women’s Day

March 8, 2016
Vancouver – The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, on International Women’s Day: March 8 marks International Women’s Day – a day to reflect on the past achievements and victories of the women’s movement, and a day to name the... more

BC Federation of Labour Statement: Remembering Women Farmworkers

March 7, 2016
Vancouver – The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, marking the anniversary of the tragic van accident that killed three women farmworkers on March 7, 2007: “March 7 is a day we must remember. On this day in 2007, three women—... more

Fraser Institute working overtime to justify leaving workers in poverty

March 3, 2016
Vancouver – The Fraser Institute’s recent report on the minimum wage works overtime to justify paying working people poverty wages, says the BC Federation of Labour. “Once again, the Fraser Institute is struggling to find ways to justify paying people poverty wages,” said Irene... more

BC Insulators Union, BC Federation of Labour and Hazardous Materials Association of BC shocked after BC Supreme Court rejects WorkSafeBC contempt of court application against asbestos removal contractors despite testimony they breached safety laws

February 26, 2016
Call on WorkSafeBC to appeal ruling and province to introduce mandatory licensing for all asbestos removal and testing firms in British Columbia to allow faster action on violations

Budget 2016 - Big talk by the Premier, little relief for working people

February 16, 2016
Victoria – Budget 2016 offers no relief for working British Columbians already struggling under rising user fees and taxes, declining services, and lack of job opportunities, says the BC Federation of Labour. “Once again, Christy Clark is big on talk and yet fails to support the... more