Opinion Editorials

#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."

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

B.C. can continue leading Canada with paid sick leave protection for all workers

March 19, 2021
by Laird Cronk and Sussanne SkidmoreThere are many measures we’ve taken as a province and a country to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19: Physical distancing, mask mandates and more.But there’s one measure we could be taking that would get us through this pandemic with fewer cases and a... more

On a physically-distanced Labour Day, let’s celebrate working people — and work together for a fairer BC

September 4, 2020
by Laird Cronk, Presidentand Sussanne Skidmore, Secretary-TreasurerBC Federation of LabourThis Labour Day is a lot different from past years. You won’t see the big parades, rallies and parties we usually have. Instead it’s small, carefully-distanced backyard get-togethers and on-screen virtual... more

Laird Cronk: From banging pots and pans: Let’s build a future that delivers more for all working people

April 24, 2020
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.

To tackle economic insecurity, workers need a Jagmeet Singh NDP government

November 7, 2019
This week, Federal NDP Leader, Jagmeet Singh, joined striking hotel workers on a Vancouver picket line. He marched and chanted with hundreds of workers who had been out of work for over three weeks and voiced his support for their fight for safe working conditions, stable employment, and fair wages... more

BC workers should celebrate a remarkable year of progress

September 1, 2019 | Employment Standards
It might not be the chatter at your Labour Day BBQ, but make no mistake: 2019 was a remarkable year of progress for workers and their families in B.C. Let me explain. It starts with economic security. Tens of thousands of low-wage workers, the majority of whom are women, are now feeling the benefit... more

Laird Cronk: Labour law changes help restore fairness and balance

May 13, 2019
Proposed changes to B.C. labour laws will make a real difference for workers, particularly the most vulnerable — children, new Canadians, and the working poor.

Labour Cares about Fairness, and That’s Why I Support Pro Rep

September 25, 2018
I think we can all agree that government matters. And which political party controls the government affects the lives of working people dramatically. Just look back at the 16 years of the BC Liberal government – stripping of collective agreements, erosion of employment standards and labour code... more