News releases

BCFED welcomes budget measures to help workers and families

February 28, 2023
Finance Minister Conroy’s budget makes it clear this government continues to put people first: reducing costs for families, making significant investments in mental health services, and building needed housing and infrastructure.

BCFED pays tribute to the memory of Ray Haynes

February 21, 2023
For seven decades, unions in BC have been able to count on Ray Haynes’ passion, leadership and courage — not to mention his warmth and humour. Many of us are hurting at the thought he won’t be here any more to give us his advice and, at times, gentle prodding. Our deepest condolences to Ray’s... more

BCFED statement regarding Bill 5, proposal to amend the Public Service Labour Relations Act

February 13, 2023 | Right to Join a Union
Vancouver – The following is a statement from Sussanne Skidmore, president and Hermender Singh Kailley, secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour: The BC Government Lawyers Association (BCGLA) has been seeking the right to unionize for more than a decade. They represent 350 civil... more

New statutory holiday gives working people a new way to participate in reconciliation: BCFED

February 7, 2023
By making the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday, the BC government is offering thousands of working families a new way to participate in reconciliation. This gives workers time to reflect, learn about Indigenous history and the history of residential schools, and join... more

BCFED elects Sussanne Skidmore as president and Hermender Singh Kailley as secretary-treasurer

November 24, 2022
Sussanne Skidmore will be the BC Federation of Labour’s new president, and Hermender Singh Kailley will serve as secretary-treasurer. Delegates at the BCFED's 60th convention acclaimed them to two-year terms this morning.“Working people in British Columbia are confronting extraordinary challenges... more

BCFED stands with Ontario education workers, calls for withdrawal of Bill 28

November 3, 2022
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) The BC Federation of Labour today released the following statement: The Ontario government’s Bill 28 is a reprehensible attack on the fundamental rights of 55,000 CUPE Ontario School Boards Council... more

WCB changes are a welcome start, recognizing much more is needed: BCFED

October 31, 2022
Today’s announcement of changes to the Workers Compensation Act is a welcome start, while recognizing many of the changes injured workers need are yet to come, BCFED President Laird Cronk said today.“This is a step forward for injured workers and their families,” Cronk said. “It will make... more

BCFED President won’t run for re-election at November convention

August 25, 2022
Laird Cronk announced today that, after two terms as President of the BC Federation of Labour, he won’t run for re-election at the Federation’s biennial convention in the fall. “It has been the honour of a lifetime to serve as BCFED President,” Cronk said. “Together, we’ve made historic progress... more

BCFED announces boycott of OpenRoad Auto Group Limited, DBA Mercedes-Benz Surrey

July 6, 2022
The BC Federation of Labour today called on the public to boycott OpenRoad Auto Group Limited, DBA Mercedes-Benz Surrey in support of striking service technicians seeking their first contract. The service technicians’ union, Local 400 of ILWU Canada, launched limited job action on June 17 following... more

BCFED stands in solidarity with US communities fighting for reproductive rights in the wake of Roe vs. Wade repeal

June 24, 2022
June 24, 2022 The news of this morning’s announcement from the US Supreme Court officially repealing Roe vs. Wade came as no shock to us. Nevertheless, we are still shocked and disheartened that a decision repealing the human rights of over half the population of one of the world’s G7 countries... more