News releases

BCFED calls on Museum of History to preserve 1919 Winnipeg General Strike exhibit

June 22, 2015
VANCOUVER – The BC Federation of Labour is calling on the Canadian Museum of History to reconsider its decision to eliminate the longstanding exhibit devoted to the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. In a letter to the Museum’s Board of Trustees, BCFED Secretary-Treasurer Aaron Ekman... more

Statement on National Aboriginal Day, June 21

June 19, 2015
VANCOUVER - The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour to mark June 21, National Aboriginal Day. “June 21 is Canada’s National Aboriginal Day - a day to celebrate the beautiful, diverse and rich history and culture of Canada’s First... more

Avoidable death of a late night worker in Calgary prompts BCFED to re-new call for tougher laws

June 11, 2015
VANCOUVER – The BC Federation of Labour is renewing its call for tougher laws to protect late-night workers, in BC and across the country, following another avoidable death of a gas station attendant working alone late at night. Maryam Rashidi, a 35-year-old Calgary resident and... more

Injured Workers’ Day Highlights Need for Improved Compensation System

June 1, 2015
Vancouver – June 1 is National Injured Workers’ Day, a day to stand in solidarity with injured workers for the restoration of dignity, respect and justice. The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour: “Every year the BC Federation of... more

Apprenticeship placements finally get a boost

May 26, 2015
VANCOUVER – The BC Federation of Labour says the government’s commitment to have apprenticeship placements on public projects is a good first step to providing more opportunities for on-the-job training in BC. “This announcement is long overdue,” said Irene Lanzinger, President of... more

Coroner’s Inquest into Lakeland sawmill explosion highlights the need for independent public inquiry

May 15, 2015
Vancouver – The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour: “I want to thank the jury for their work on this inquest, and am pleased to see some strong directives regarding strengthening joint health and safety committees and reinforcing... more

Jim Sinclair to receive Honourary Degree from KPU

April 29, 2015
VANCOUVER – The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour regarding the announcement that Jim Sinclair will receive a Honourary Degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University: “Congratulations to my friend and colleague Jim Sinclair on the news that... more

BC Federation of Labour Statement on National Day of Mourning

April 28, 2015
VANCOUVER – The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, marking the National Day of Mourning: The National Day of Mourning, marked every year on April 28, is a very important day for workers. It is a day to remember all those who... more

Fight for $15 Campaign takes “I’m Not Loving It” message to McDonald’s restaurants

April 14, 2015
Vancouver – On April, 15, the Fight for $15 Campaign is calling on large fast-food corporations, like McDonald’s, to pay workers a fair wage. “Tomorrow we will be standing with fast-food workers across North America who are fighting for decent pay,” said Irene Lanzinger, President... more

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

April 10, 2015
Vancouver - The Employee Action and Rights Network (EARN) and the BC Federation of Labour’s Young Workers’ Committee are holding an overnight ‘sit-in’ to mark the day the BC Liberal government put vulnerable workers at risk by weakening Grant’s Law.