You've heard their name, but who are they, exactly?
The British Columbia Federation of Labour is a group that speaks for the more than 450,000 members of its affiliated unions, from more than 1,100 locals, working in every aspect of the B.C. economy.
The B.C. Fed, as it is most commonly known, has a long and proud history of fighting for the rights of all working people. The federation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006.
In fact, however, there was an earlier organization by the same name - the first B.C. Federation of Labour was formed in 1910 as workers across the province united in a single body to pursue political change in the provincial legislature. That first federation was worn down by the battles and divisions that afflicted working people during the period between the First and Second World Wars, particularly the Great Depression.
But by 1956, the need for unity was obvious. The two main labour centrals of that era, following on the national lead of the Canadian Labour Congress, joined forces to create the B.C. Federation of Labour we know today.
The goals of the B.C. Fed are best exemplified by its slogan: "What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all."
The B.C. Federation of Labour's primary goal is to speak on behalf of, and provide resources to, its affiliated unions. In doing so, the federation puts forward the interests of union members across the province to government, employers and the general public. More than 50 unions are affiliated with the B.C. Fed, and the federation is also a member of the Canadian Labour Congress.
- Source: B.C. Federation of Labour, http: //bcfed.ca
