News releases

BCFED demands answers from Clark government over small fine for safety violations that caused worker’s death

April 4, 2017
Vancouver-The BC Federation of Labour is demanding answers from Premier Clark’s labour minister, Shirley Bond, about a paltry fine assessed against a big Vancouver property development firm whose serious violation of health and safety rules caused the death of a Kamloops... more

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

March 31, 2017
As part of our support for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, we are encouraging affiliates and union members across the province to post information in their communities about providing testimony to the National Inquiry. Attached is a one-page document that... more

Another worker’s death sparks renewed calls for Clark government to do more to make workplaces safer

March 31, 2017
Vancouver-The tragic death of a New Westminster restaurant worker last week has renewed concerns of the BC Federation of Labour that the provincial government needs to do more to make BC workplaces safer. “We extend our condolences to the family and colleagues of the worker who... more

Clark Liberals siphoning millions of dollars in WCB funds that should go to injured workers, and improved workplace safety measures, says BCFED

March 29, 2017
Vancouver - Premier Christy Clark’s plan to siphon tens of millions of dollars in funds for injured workers and gift it to employers is an outrageous political move and comes at a time when more needs to be done to keep workers safe on the job and fairly compensate those who are... more

BCFED statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 20, 2017
The following is a statement from BCFED President Irene Lanzinger: “This year, on March 21st, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with a message on behalf of the 500,000 union members in this province and their families. To truly understand the impact of... more

BCFED releases second Game Over Christy ad pointing to forestry job losses, minimum wage and corporate donations.

March 16, 2017
Vancouver - The BC Federation of Labour released this morning the latest in a series of 30-second Game Over Christy advertisements (https://youtu.be/1jH-8mybdMg) on social media. It again casts Premier Clark as a video game character who racks up bonus points for photo ops, but... more

BC needs a leader who will make life better for women

March 7, 2017
The following is a statement from BC Federation of Labour President Irene Lanzinger to mark International Women’s Day, March 8: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day for 2017, a provincial election that has profound consequences for women is just around the corner on May 9. How have women... more

Vigil Sunday in Abbotsford to mark 10th anniversary of tragic, preventable deaths of three farmworkers in van crash

Vancouver - Family, friends and community will gather at a special ceremony Sunday, March 5, in Abbotsford to mark the 10th anniversary of the tragic and preventable deaths of three farmworkers who were killed as they were being transported to work. Amarjit Kaur Bal, Sukvinder Kaur... more

Time to tell Christy Clark that it’s game over, BCFED urges voters in new election ad

February 28, 2017
The BC Federation of Labour says Premier Christy Clark has been playing working people long enough, and it’s urging British Columbians to tell Clark that it’s “game over” by electing a new government May 9. The BCFED released this morning a new 30-second advertisement on social media. It casts... more

Christy Clark’s minimum wage announcement: 10 cents an hour more than planned won’t lift 500,000 BC workers out of poverty

February 27, 2017
Vancouver - Responding to today’s announcement of a small increase in the minimum wage, BC Federation of Labour President Irene Lanzinger says “it simply isn’t enough to help address the plight of 500,000 low wage workers in BC.” The increase to $11.35 September 1, 2017 will still... more