News and media

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 well as to those dealing with injuries and trauma from this catastrophic workplace incident. We

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 movement. Nowadays Pride may appear as a celebration of diversity, one that is sometimes co-opted by

(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 over the past weeks, we are reminded of the work we all must do to acknowledge, listen, and act. Our thoughts are with

(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 station staff working alone at night. The event honours Grant De Patie, a 24-year-old gas station attendant who died tragically in 2005 in a gas-and-dash

(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 trades. The system includes a consultation process to support the transition and identify additional trades for future

The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) is committed to ensuring a safe supply of drugs and to working with all levels of government to decriminalize personal possession of drugs. This commitment was renewed with the adoption of resolution 181 at our 2020 convention. We have been alarmed with government inaction as a toxic drug supply, harmful criminalization and stigma, and the impacts of the