British Columbia Federation of Labour

We always hear people say times have changed, and they have. Modern society has become technology-driven. Technology was supposed to make lives easier, and for some it has. But not for young workers. Young workers have a lot more issues to deal with than our parents did 20 years ago, whether it is rising housing costs, rising tuition fees, rising cost of living or the training wage. Young workers are the future, and because of that we need to take a stand and get back what has been taken away: the chance to make a decent living.

There are a number of campaigns and issues that the B.C. Federation of Labour has been involved with. And it’s time to get involved.

To find out more, go to Young Worker's Committee.

Labour Education

All too often young people are exploited on the job, whether it be work schedules, hourly wages, training wage, statutory holidays, overtime, how old do you have to be to work or who can you talk to; these questions are answered in our Labour Education presentation. The Labour Education program was created by the B.C. Federation of Labour in 2003 to help young workers know what their rights are under the Employment Standards Act, so they don’t get abused. This presentation also engages young workers in discussion about unions and what they do. We have revised our program and added in the Self-Help Kit, so youth know how to file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour.

If you would like more information on this program or would like to book a presentation in your school or community, please contact the B.C. Federation of Labour at 604-430-1421 or at educate@bcfed.com.

To find out more about your rights or check out the Employment Standards Act go to.

Health & Safety Workshop

Our Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) High School Workshop was created to make young workers aware of their health and safety rights and how to prevent injuries, accidents and death. To date, over 30,000 students have taken this workshop. To find out more or book a presentation please contact the B.C. Federation of Labour @ 604-430-1421 or at ywsafety@bcfed.ca

To find out more about our Health & Safety Centre or learn more about your rights click here .

Minimum Wage

Ever feel that your pay cheque has to be stretched more and more since last year? You’re not alone. Minimum wage has not been increased since November 1, 2001. Young people aged 15- 24 make up nearly 66% percent of minimum wage earners in Canada.

The B.C. Federation of Labour has launched a Campaign to Increase Minimum Wage to $10/hour and eliminate the $6/hour training wage.

To find out more about this Campaign or to find out how you can get involved in this Campaign go to Minimum Wage.