British Columbia Federation of Labour

The B.C. Federation of Labour Convention 2009 - Confronting the Crisis: An Economy that Really Works for BC takes place on 23-25 November 2009 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Agenda include the following Workshops:

Workshop 1: Building an Economy that Works: the Role of BC’s Private Sector

This workshop will provide an overview of the private sector in British Columbia: union density by sector, overview of key industries, and current issues, especially the crises in the manufacturing and forestry sector.

It will look at the close relationship between private sector and public sector workers, and will discuss concrete proposals to protect existing jobs and stimulate new good-paying jobs in both the public and private sectors.

The workshop will also outline the bargaining time table for each industry, the main issues that will be dealt with at the bargaining table, and how the labour movement can build solidarity amongst private and public sector workers.

Workshop 2: Building an Economy that Works: the Role of BC’s Public Sector

This workshop will provide an overview of the inter-relationship of the private sector and the public sector. It will closely examine the public sector: who it is, what it does, what role it plays in the economic health of the province and what has happened over the past decade.

It will examine the services that are currently provided and what is necessary to provide the services that British Columbians truly need.

It will also look at what the government plans for this sector over the next four years and the main issues the public sector will be facing at the bargaining table.

In addition, the workshop will tackle the question of how much government revenue is needed to maintain the public sector at appropriate levels. The workshop will also discuss the legislative framework that affects both the public and private sectors.

Workshop 3: Engaging our Members, Building our Movement and Creating Unity in Tough Times

This workshop will examine how unions and the Federation can engage its members and expand the support for political and economic action.

It will look at the many areas of common ground between private and public sector workers and will explore building greater solidarity amongst all working people.

The workshop will consider strategies to ensure there are high-quality, good paying jobs for workers in all sectors.

It will also examine the successes and challenges for labour participating in the democratic process, including a review of the last provincial election.