News releases

Debate about BC’s democracy a healthy outcome of PR referendum, says BCFED

December 20, 2018
Vancouver - The BC Federation of Labour says it’s disappointed by the results of the referendum on proportional representation, which favoured the no side. “But,” says BCFED President Laird Cronk, “the months-long debate about how to make our voting system more democratic and... more

Annual Labour Christmas Dinner ready to serve thousands on Christmas Eve

December 19, 2018
Vancouver - Union members and volunteers are ready to serve up to 3,000 people at the 24th Annual Labour Community Christmas Dinner. Media are invited to attend the annual event. Date: December 24, 2018 Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Locations: Maritime Labour Centre, 1880... more

BCFED supports proposed comprehensive asbestos handling rules, urges quick implementation action

December 19, 2018
The BC Federation of Labour is supporting the findings of a government report released today that—when implemented—will better protect workers from the severe health and safety risks posed by exposure to materials that contain asbestos. “After years of lobbying for government to take this issue... more

BCLI recommended revisions to Employment Standards Act fall short of needs of working people

December 13, 2018 | Health, Safety, and Compensation
As BC Labour Minister Harry Bains considers changes to strengthen protections for all workers in the province, a report and recommendations from a legal group fail overall to address the urgent need for change, says the BC Federation of Labour. Under the BC Liberal government both basic standards... more

Poverty is a Human Rights Issue, and the BCFED Says it’s Time to Take Action

December 10, 2018
The following is a statement from Laird Cronk and Sussanne Skidmore on December 10th International Human Rights Day International Human Rights Day was established on December 10, 1948, the day the Universal Human Rights Declaration was declared by the United Nations. Today on the 70th... more

BCFED Statement on December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Violence Against Women

December 6, 2018
The following is a statement from Laird Cronk and Sussanne Skidmore, President and Secretary-Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour regarding December 6th National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Violence Against Women: December 6th is a day where we take stock of society’s... more

Clean BC plan takes promising steps to address climate change, says BCFED

December 5, 2018
Vancouver - With the release today of details of its clean growth strategy, the BC government has taken a number of promising steps to chart a course for clean, sustainable economic growth that sets new and stringent carbon reduction targets, says the BC Federation of Labour. “... more

December 3: Celebrating International Persons with Disabilities Day

December 3, 2018
The BC Federation of Labour is joining with members with disabilities in celebrating the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day, and this year’s theme of empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.

It’s unanimous: Labour movement unites behind Laird Cronk and Sussanne Skidmore as new leaders

November 29, 2018
Vancouver-The BC Federation of Labour has chosen new leaders to guide the province’s largest labour body for the next two years. Red Seal Electrician Laird Cronk was acclaimed this morning by delegates attending the Federation’s 58th convention as the new president of the 500,000-... more

Labour to rally in support of postal workers Thursday at noon in Vancouver

November 28, 2018
The BC Federation of Labour is organizing a rally Thursday at noon in downtown Vancouver in support of Canada Post workers whose collective bargaining rights are under attack by the Trudeau Liberal government. Outgoing BCFED President Irene Lanzinger will be among the speakers. What: Rally... more