News releases

BCFED welcomes worker compensation review giving voice to injured workers

The BC Federation of Labour is welcoming the formal, independent review of the provincial workers’ compensation and appeal system announced by the provincial government. "Injured workers and their families must be fully and fairly compensated for any loss or injury on the job. We welcome the... more

BCFED Statement on March 21: The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2019
The following is a statement from BC Federation of Labour leadership Laird Cronk and Sussanne Skidmore: Today marks 59 years since 69 people were killed by police in South Africa while attending a peaceful demonstration against Apartheid Pass Laws. Every year since March 21, 1960, the... more

Statement on mosque attacks in New Zealand

March 15, 2019
Vancouver – The following is a statement from Laird Cronk, president and Sussanne Skidmore, secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour: “Today our thoughts are with the people of New Zealand after yesterday’s devastating shooting in Christchurch. While information is still... more

This International Women’s Day, BCFED challenges men to Be More Than A Bystander in the workplace

March 8, 2019
The following is a statement from the BC Federation of Labour leaders Sussanne Skidmore and Laird Cronk on International Women’s Day: This year, the Federation is focusing on shifting the culture in B.C. with respect to women’s’ rights and safety.

Asbestos leading cause of workplace deaths, yet 2 violations a day reported by WorkSafeBC

BC Insulators Union and BC Federation of Labour call for immediate BC government action to provincially license asbestos removal firms after BC Supreme Court ruling permanently banning company that broke rules over 230 times, has not paid fines of $635,000 over 9 years ... more

Budget 2019 strengthens employment standards and highlights path for good, green jobs

February 19, 2019
VICTORIA – Budget 2019 focuses on measures that will benefit thousands of working families, create opportunities for new and under-employed workers to access good, green jobs and strengthen employment standards.

Affordability and improved services in Throne Speech provide an opportunity to expand good jobs – BC Federation of Labour

February 13, 2019
Vancouver – In its third Speech from the Throne, B.C.’s NDP government renewed their commitment to improving affordability and expanding services for British Columbians. Key steps included the introduction of B.C.’s first ever Poverty Reduction Strategy, the full elimination of MSP premiums and... more

Hey Nanaimo voters, let’s keep a good thing going by electing the BC NDP’s Sheila Malcolmson

January 24, 2019
With advance polls open for voting in the important Nanaimo provincial by-election, the BC Federation of Labour is encouraging union members in the Hub City to get out to vote to elect the BC NDP’s Sheila Malcolmson. “It’s a crucial election and the choices are clear,” says BCFed President Laird... more

BC Liberals and the Plecas report

January 24, 2019
The Speaker of the provincial Legislature Daryl Plecas has released a scathing report exposing allegations about spending by the Clerk of the Legislature Craig James. James was appointed to his position amid much controversy by the Christy Clark BC Liberal government. The Plecas report revealed... more

March 2 Farmworkers Vigil honours three women killed in horrific work accident

January 24, 2019
Eleven years ago in March 2007, three women— Armajit Kaur Bal, 52, Sukhvinder Kaur Punia, 46, and Sarbjit Kaur Sidhu, 31—tragically lost their lives when a 15-passenger van carrying 17 women farm workers to work skidded out of control on the Trans-Canada Highway near Abbotsford, BC.