Convention events
You'd think our week would already be full up with all the policy debates, keynote speakers and elections... but there's even more going on! Here's what else you can look forward to:
Sunday, November 24
Young Workers Forum
Stanley Park Ballroom, Westin Bayshore — 9 am–12 pm
Are you a young worker attending the BCFED convention? Join other young workers from across BC and discuss the issues that matter to you. You'll get an update about the work of the BCFED Young Workers' Committee over the past two years and hear from an amazing panel of young leaders from within the labour movement. We’ll also cover the rules of procedure for convention, and enjoy a friendly game of labour trivia - with prizes to be had! See you there!
Human Rights Forum
Stanley Park Ballroom, Westin Bayshore — 1 pm–4 pm
Delegates to the 2024 BCFED convention are invited to join us for an afternoon forum where we will hear from our Equity Representatives to Executive Council on the work they’ve engaged in with caucuses over the last term, as well as hear from a panel of experts in the field of Human Rights. Delegates will also have a chance to see the resolutions coming to the BCFED convention that deal with human rights themes:
Guest Speakers include:
- Shelley Joseph – Ladders to Kindness CEO and Founder
- Teri Westerby – School District 33 Trustee
- Rohini Arora – MLA for Burnaby East and Deputy Government Caucus Chair
- Cherika Carter – Washington State Labour Council Secretary Treasurer
Note: Pre-registration is required.
Events on Monday to Thursday are for convention delegates only.
Please remember to wear your credential!
Monday, November 25
New Delegate Orientation
Room 1/2/3, Vancouver Convention Centre — 9 am–10:15 am
Whether you're a first-time delegate or just looking for a refresher, this session will give you all the tips and information you need to make the most of convention — from rules of order, to elections, to caucuses and more.
Human Rights Night
Stanley Park Ballroom, Westin Bayshore — 7 pm–9 pm
We will be joined in conversation by community advocates who are experts in fighting for the rights of migrant workers:
- Edgar Franks — Familias Unidas Por La Justicia
- Cenen Bagon — Vancouver Committee on Domestic and Care Workers Rights
- Rincy Dominic Calamba — Migrant Care Worker Project – UPBC
- Byron Cruz — Sanctuary Health
will share their experiences supporting migrant workers, and the fight for immigration justice.
Tuesday, November 26
Sectoral Bargaining Lunch-and-Learn
Room 1/2/3, Vancouver Convention Centre — 12 pm–1:30 pm
While traditional unionization and bargaining structures are effective for many types of workplaces, some workers continue to face structural barriers to forming a union. Farm workers, gig workers, migrant care workers and employees of small franchises, just to name a few, have little ability to effectively organize and use their collective power to improve their working conditions.
We will hear directly from workers about the challenges they face, provide an introduction to sectoral bargaining models and finish with a panel discussion about the opportunities sectoral bargaining could provide.
Presenters:
- Alicia Massie — Coordinator, Campaign Research & Capital Strategies, SEIU
- Hermender Singh Kailley — Secretary-Treasurer, BCFED
- Jim Stanford — Director, Centre for Future Work
- Martha Grant — Senior Advisor to Action Network and founder of Fair Future Lab
Note: Tickets to this event are $20 and can be purchased at the Solutions Desk in the main convention foyer. A bagged lunch with be provided.
Stronger Unions Make Stronger Communities: Labour & United Way Partnership
Room 1/2/3, Vancouver Convention Centre — 5 pm–6:15 pm
Come hear this report on labour's partnership with United Way BC — one that goes much deeper than just financial support. From significant research and reports to expanding our reach and impact, United Way BC has been on an exciting journey of transformation and growth. Join us as we dive into our latest projects and learn how together, we can strengthen our communities. Reserve your free spot here.
Women and Gender Rights Forum
Stanley Park Ballroom, Westin Bayshore — 7 pm–9 pm
Join us as we highlight the work of community partners on the front lines of policy, advocacy and wraparound service provision furthering gender justice in BC.
We will hear from:
- Palexelsiya Lorelei Williams — Butterflies in Spirit
- Iglika Ivanova — Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives BC
- Humera Jabir — West Coast Leaf
- Kara Gilles — WISH Drop In Centre Society.
You won’t want to miss this session!
Wednesday, November 27
Occupational Health & Safety Lunch-and-Learn
Room 1/2/3, Vancouver Convention Centre — 12 pm–1:30 pm
One of the most popular sessions at every convention is our health and safety Lunch and Learn. This year we will explore the health and safety philosophy Human and Organizational Performance or HOP. HOP recognizes the need for a shift in traditional thinking about workplace health and safety. We are excited to welcome Andrea Baker and Matt Florio for their presentation on the HOP Principles. Barb Nederpel and Rob Ashton will moderate.
- Andrea Baker — Founder, The HOP Mentor
- Barb Nederpel — President, HEU
- Matt Florio — Human & Organizational Performance (HOP) Mentor
- Rob Ashton — President, ILWU Canada
Note: Tickets to this event are $20 and can be purchased at the Solutions Desk in the main convention foyer starting at noon on Monday, November 25.
Thursday, November 28
BCFED Convention Reception
Stanley Park Ballroom, Westin Bayshore — 7 pm–10 pm
Celebrate solidarity at our big convention bash! There will be snacks, drinks and entertainment — with details, you guessed it, coming soon.