News and media

by Laird Cronk, President and Sussanne Skidmore, Secretary-Treasurer BC Federation of Labour This 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 celebrations. But there’s a deeper change that’s happening too. Something important has shifted in

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

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 of the NDP government’s boost to the minimum wage. The rate increased to $13.65 per hour on June 1

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. Raising the working age to 16 is really about child protection. First work experiences are formative, but must be safe and age-appropriate. Youth can continue taking on paper routes or stocking shelves. For the past 15 years, employers have

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 protections, stagnant wages and the rise of precarious work, underfunded schools and oversized