Member Voices: BC Federation of Labour Convention 2024
January 8, 2025
Fraser Robertson is a Tech Rep in ITS and frequent volunteer with and for the FSA, including being a member of this round's Collective Agreement Committee. In November, Fraser attended the BC Federation of Labour's convention, which is held in even numbered years. Below is Fraser's report on the proceedings.
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The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) held their biennial convention from November 24 to 29, 2024. The primary purpose of the convention was the debate of resolutions presented by various committees, but it also served as a reminder of the strength and history of the labour movement in BC.
A joint sing-along of Solidarity Forever and rousing speeches about the ability of the labour movement to effect change kicked off the event. As the business of the convention got underway, delegates rising in support or opposition to resolutions spoke passionately about the role the labour movement has in protecting and advancing, not only the rights of workers, but those of all British Columbians.
Breaks between committee business were filled with keynote speakers and videos from the BC Labour Heritage Centre, showing key moments in the labour history of our province. The provincial and federal NDP made their case as the party of labour, sending speakers including recently sworn in BC Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside, Premier David Eby, former Minister of Labour Harry Bains, as well as the leader of the federal NDP Jagmeet Singh.
In addition to the political speakers, we were reminded of the struggles of underrepresented groups by trans-rights activist Faye Johnson, who spoke about the fight for rights and the fears of her community, and speaker Len Pierre who spoke about Indigenous sensitivity.
Over the course of the week, more than 50 resolutions were debated, with most of them being passed resoundingly. Resolutions covered dues increases, the creation of new committees, and many resolutions calling on the BCFED to lobby for the rights of workers and under-represented groups.