BC FORUM News - from the BC Federation of Labour

November 29, 2018

It’s unanimous: Labour movement unites behind Laird Cronk
and Sussanne Skidmore as new leaders

The BC Federation of Labour has chosen new leaders to guide the province’s largest labour body for the next two years.

Red Seal Electrician Laird Cronk was acclaimed this morning by delegates attending the Federation’s 58th convention as the new president of the 500,000-member organization. Delegates also acclaimed social justice and human rights activist Sussanne Skidmore as the new secretary-treasurer.

“We are stronger and better as a labour movement when we work together,” Cronk says. “Let’s get this job done,” he told delegates. “Let’s get out there together. Let’s build!

“We have much work to do. We must lift up all workers—those in unions and those not yet in unions. We must build bridges for success and reconcili-action in our house.”

He says strengthening the labour movement and increasing its membership base ensures that the economy works for everyone.

Skidmore, an executive vice-president with the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union says she is honoured to be the new secretary-treasurer. “Together with Laird, I am committed to building a movement that is united, progressive and strong.”

A 33-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 230 on Vancouver Island, Cronk has been an executive officer of the BCFED for six years. A strong proponent of expanded apprenticeship and skills training programs, he is also a board member of the provincial government’s Industry Training Authority.