News releases

BCFED endorses ITUC and CLC statements calling for a Gaza ceasefire

January 25, 2024
The Executive Council of the BC Federation of Labour has voted to endorse statements by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel.

BC makes progress, but key protections still missing for gig workers: BCFED

November 16, 2023
Today’s announcement from the BC Ministry of Labour represents some progress for ride-hail and food-delivery workers, but still leaves these workers without the same set of protections provided to every other worker in the province, BC Federation of Labour President Sussanne Skidmore said today.“... more

Reconciliation requires solidarity, and solidarity requires reconciliation: Statement by the BCFED on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 29, 2023
Today we honour the memories of the Indigenous children whose lives were lost to the residential school system, and the grief of the survivors, their families and their communities.

Standing up against anti-trans hate on September 20, and always

September 18, 2023
The British Columbia Federation of Labour stands firmly and proudly with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the face of a surge of anti-trans hate speech and actions across the country.

#HotStrikeSummer could be the start of a new relationship between workers and employers

September 1, 2023
2023 Labour Day op-ed: "There's a new reality in BC: Employers can no longer count on having the upper hand, and workers aren't prepared to cede it to them."

Confronting the past and building a just future together: BCFED statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 20, 2023
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) — The BC Federation of Labour today released the following statement regarding National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21:National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to honor and appreciate the rich cultures, histories... more

Solidarity and celebration in the face of hate: BCFED statement on Pride Month

June 2, 2023
The BC Federation of Labour today released the following statement by federation president Sussanne Skidmore: Pride was born as an act of protest, led by Black and Latina trans women. It was sparked in defiance of persecution, and an expression of both individual courage and community strength. It’... more

BCFED Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

May 17, 2023
We mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2023 during an especially difficult year for 2SLGBTQIA+ people around the world. We've seen a growing number of hateful incidents. Thankfully, we've also seen strong community responses — and BC's unions have been proud to... more

Action still urgently needed to protect workers’ lives and health: BCFED statement on Day of Mourning

The BCFED released the following statement on the Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace:April 28 is a sacred day for working people: we remember those we’ve lost, and those who have been injured or made sick, because of their work.

Wide support for employment protections for app-based workers: poll

April 27, 2023 | Employment Standards
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) A poll conducted by Research Co. for the BC Federation of Labour shows overwhelming support among British Columbians for ensuring app-based gig workers receive basic employment protections.... more