Statements

Statement on Orange Shirt Day 2020

September 30, 2020
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a day for us to remember and discuss the legacy of the residential school system in Canada, and honour the Indigenous survivors and non-survivors of that system.It’s named for a story shared by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, who had her brand new orange shirt — bought by... more

Remembering Kim Manton

June 29, 2020
We’re heartbroken today at the loss of one of the brightest, warmest and most passionate people in our movement. Kim Manton passed away on Friday from cancer, but her spirit shone brightly right up the end. We’re so much poorer for her loss, and so much richer for having known her.

Pride 2020: A statement from the BCFED

June 26, 2020
We celebrate Pride in 2020 at a distance from each other. But that doesn’t diminish our solidarity with LGBTQI2S community members within our unions, in our province and around the world. In a year where protests have brought so many to the streets to oppose racism and violence, we begin by... more

Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day 2020

June 19, 2020
June 21 is a day to recognize and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. And while we celebrate Indigenous peoples, we must also recognize that these continue to be difficult and painful times. The promise and hopes for reconciliation raised over the past few years have often failed to... more

BCFED Statement on National Injured Workers’ Day

June 1, 2020
Every June 1, we stand with injured workers across Canada on National Injured Workers’ Day. And this year, that solidarity is especially important. The COVID-19 pandemic has put countless workers in danger of contracting a life-threatening disease – and too many of them don’t have the protections... more

Statement by the BCFED on recent police violence against Black community members

May 29, 2020
The BC Federation of Labour is angered and outraged by the recent violent attacks against Black community members locally, nationally and internationally. Police brutality and police murders of Black community members are a reality in our communities, one the BCFED recognizes the labour movement... more

Solidarity with LGBTQI2S people is more important than ever

May 15, 2020
On May 17, we honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Since 2004, IDAHOBIT has served to raise awareness of the discrimination and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and two-spirit (... more

In memory of Ralph McGinn, a champion for workplace safety

May 13, 2020
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... more

Resources for workers during COVID-19

March 20, 2020
It is an overwhelming time. To help workers focus on the public health situation, the BCFED will be updating this post with resources and links to understand your rights, and get the information and supports you need.

BCFED office closing, but advocacy for workers in time of health and economic crisis continues

March 17, 2020
Laird Cronk, President of the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED), issued the following statement for COVID-19 The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) is moving towards the closure of our Vancouver-based office as soon as practicable to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but our advocacy on behalf of... more