Miner, BC Federation of Labor, Canadian Congress of Labor, Canadian Labour Congress

Download Dan Radford audio recording (.mp3)

Download Dan Radford transcript (.pdf)

Dan Radford (1902-1977) was a coal miner from Nanaimo who held held many union positions, including President of the B.C. Federation of Labour, director of the Canadian Congress of Labor, and the Canadian Labour Congress. This interview deals extensively with his recollections and involvement in the anti-communist expulsions in Canadian unions. Radford also discusses the role of the B.C. Federation of Labour as legislative lobbyist for the interests of labour, and the fight against Bill 39 in 1947 which curbed union rights.

NOTE: The quality of this recording is poor; it has been restored to the best of our ability.

Keywords: Mine Workers Union (Nanaimo), Communism, CCL (Canadian Congress of Labor), Harold Pritchett, IWA (International Woodworkers of America), Mine Mill (International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers), UE (United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America), Daniel O’Brien, white bloc, red bloc, CCF (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation), Labor Progressive Party, Bill 39, Harvey Murphy, Bill Stewart, Stewart Alsbury, Steelworkers