News and media

We're shocked and saddened to learn of WCB Chair Ralph McGinn’s passing on Monday. For many years, he has been at the forefront of keeping BC workers safe on the job: from his work in the 90s as WCB’s VP of Prevention, to leading the agency as President and CEO, and most recently as the board chair. And before that, as chief inspector of mines, Ralph earned a reputation for uncompromising

(Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver BC) – BC’s labour movement is pleased with the recent Workers Compensation Board (WCB) announcement that COVID-19 will be added to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act, BCFED president Laird Cronk said today. “It’s an important step,” he said, “and putting this into place is critical.” The measure, known as presumptive coverage, will mean “workers who

(Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver BC) — “You don’t leave your wounded soldiers on the battlefield,” BCFED president Laird Cronk said today, adding “Essential workers who become symptomatic with COVID-19 deserve WCB coverage.” The provincial government has designated a broad range of industries — from healthcare and first responders, to food production, transportation and retail sales, to

Tonight at 7 p.m., in communities all over our province, British Columbians will step out of their homes. For just a few minutes, we’ll bang pots and pans, sing and cheer in a show of support and respect for workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we’re shining a little light during this difficult and frightening time. And that isn’t the only sign of hope in our locked-down

Sussanne Skidmore, Secretary Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) issued the following statement: “The current health crisis has revealed how undervalued certain critical work has been in our society. I want to start off by thanking the workers on the farms throughout BC for continuing to grow, harvest and process the food that we all need to eat during this pandemic. We are incredibly

(Coast Salish territory, Vancouver BC) - The provincial response to the COVID-19 crisis includes important supports and protections for workers advocated by the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED). Yesterday, the BC government legislated unlimited protected leave for workers who are quarantined, self-isolating, or caring for loved ones amidst the pandemic. BC also announced income supports—a $1,000