On October 15, people around the world took to the streets in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement. In Vancouver, the BC Federation of Labour called on union members to join the Occupy Vancouver event outside and support the movement's call for good jobs, fair taxes and strong public services.
In a statement released ahead of the event, Jim Sinclair, the President of the BC Federation of Labour said:
"Well paying jobs, fair taxation and strong public services built the Canada we know and love. For 20 years across Canada, real wages have stagnated, the richest Canadians have avoided billions in taxes, and successive governments have weakened public services. This has created a gap between rich and poor not seen in generations, and the gap is widening.
"The Occupy Wall Street movement expresses an underlying desire for fairness, equality and opportunity in the economy and our society. The BC Federation of Labour stands in solidarity with that desire, and calls on the governments of British Columbia and Canada to act swiftly and decisively to narrow the gap."
The BC Federation of Labour also announced that it will continue to support an ongoing peaceful occupation in Vancouver on these important issues.
Sinclair said that hundreds of similar events were being held across North America, in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement and that members of the labour movement would be participating in events in communities throughout BC and Canada.
"This day is an opportunity for people around North America to clearly and peacefully express their desire for fairness and equality in our society and our economy."
