How a childhood union button collection played a part in an epic Supreme Court of Canada decision David Yorke began collecting union buttons at the age of 11, when his mother brought home membership pins from her work at the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union (UFAWU). Little did Yorke Read more…
Researched and written by Natasha Fairweather Diving in to 100 Years of Garment Work The early 1900s was a time of rapid industrialization in Canada and around the world. Clothing production became mechanized, and garment workers – largely women, often immigrants from Europe – were subjected to inhumane conditions in Read more…
The Labor Statesman1, owned by the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council (VTLC), cost five cents to purchase, or 20-week subscriptions could be had for one dollar. In the first issue April 25, 1924—a hefty 12 pages—the newspaper explained that the executive of the VTLC had been Read more…
Researched and written by Donna Sacuta Additional research by Greg Nesteroff Hospitals run co-operatively “for use rather than profit” Miners’ Union Hospitals were a radical response to the critical need for inclusive health care in B.C.’s mining communities more than 100 years ago. At least six local unions of the Read more…
Frances ‘Frank’ Foxcroft She stood firm and blocked the way by Donna Sacuta Frances ‘Frank’1 Foxcroft likely saved the life of Vancouver Trades and Labour Council Secretary Victor Midgely on the afternoon of August 2, 1918. A rampaging mob of angry ex-soldiers descended on the Labour Temple on Dunsmuir Street Read more…