News releases

BCFED encouraged by province’s 10-day paid sick leave option, questions remain on who pays and who’s covered

September 22, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) British Columbia could be on the verge of a breakthrough in protecting workplace and community health if the provincial government proceeds with its 10-day option for paid sick leave, BCFED President Laird... more

Support for 10 days of employer-paid sick leave extensive across political spectrum: new poll

September 7, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) As the Delta variant drives a new wave of COVID-19 in BC, new public opinion research shows nearly nine-in-ten British Columbians believe businesses should provide paid sick leave, with 80% of British Columbians... more

Why paid sick leave will help fight inequality and protect public health

September 3, 2021
Let’s say you wake up sick Tuesday morning.In much of the world, the idea that you might still go into work would seem absurd. Workers in countries like Sweden, Germany and even Washington State can count on guaranteed paid sick leave — it’s the law.But not in British Columbia. More than half of... more

This Labour Day, let’s ensure every worker has the protection they’ve earned

September 3, 2021
This summer reminded all of us of the importance of workers. And not just because of the pandemic. We’ve all witnessed the dedication of workers fighting fires, caring for heatwave victims, and just showing up for work in extremely difficult conditions.It also reminds us that workers deserve the... more

Urgent action needed to hold negligent employers to account as Crown stays proceedings against Kiewit: BCFED

September 1, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) Yesterday’s decision by the BC Prosecution Service represents a profound failure of the criminal justice system for workers and their families everywhere, BCFED President Laird Cronk said today.

BCFED statement on the Kelowna crane tragedy

Today we learned that five people lost their lives due to the tragic crane collapse in Kelowna, and that more were injured. The BC Federation of Labour offers its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those five individuals who never returned home from work yesterday, as... more

Pride as Protest

June 23, 2021
As Pride month wraps up, it is appropriate to reflect on its origins, which are deeply steeped in protest. Pride was led largely by queer and Trans people of colour against police brutality enacted on community members. This year marks fifty-five years since the beginning of the Pride protest... more

Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) This year we mark National Indigenous People’s Day with heavy hearts and a deep sense of responsibility. In the wake of the uncovering of unmarked graves of children on multiple Residential School sites... more

Young workers call on BC NDP government to re-instate Grant’s law, ensure health and safety of front-line workers  

June 18, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) The BC Federation of Labour Young Workers’ Committee will stage an overnight “virtual sit-in” on June 19th to highlight weak safety laws for convenience store and gas

Skilled Trades Certification program will ensure fully trained, highly skilled, and resilient workers, ready for the new economy

June 11, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) The BC government has announced a Skilled Trades Certification program that will provide access to apprenticeships and formal recognition of the skills and knowledge for workers within ten initial... more