BC Insulators Union Business Manager Lee Loftus says the union was sorry to hear that Brother Jim Sinclair is stepping down as President of the BC Federation of Labour.
“Jim Sinclair has been a strong friend of the BC Insulator’s Union for the entire 15 years that he has been President of the BC Federation of Labour,” Loftus said. “Jim has always been there any time he was asked by either the Insulator’s Union or the BC Building Trades.”
“As an Executive Officer of the BC Federation of Labour I have seen the countless hours and enormous energy that Jim has put in to fighting for working people, whether they are unionized or not. Jim’s work to protect the lives of farm workers and late night retail workers has been exemplary and demonstrates that our labour movement is all about social justice,” Loftus said.
Loftus said he is particularly pleased that Sinclair made prosecuting those employers who exposed workers to asbestos one of his strongest priorities, including appearing at BC Supreme Court for the sentencing of Arthur Moore an employer who knowingly and repeatedly forced his workers to handle asbestos without protection.
“Jim helped us put unscrupulous employers in jail – and deeply understood the importance of work place health and safety,” Loftus said.
“Jim’s contributions have been invaluable and he will be greatly missed as President but I know that with Jim’s commitment to labour, he will still be a strong activist for our cause,” Loftus added.
Sinclair’s successor will be chosen as the BC Federation of Labour’s Convention November 24-28, 2014.
Below is a letter Brother Sinclair sent announcing his retirement.
Letter from BC Federation of President Jim Sinclair
October 9, 2014
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
For the past 35 years I have been a part of the most wonderful movement in the world – the labour movement. For the last 15 of those years, I have had the honour and privilege to be the President of the B.C. Federation of Labour, a position that allowed me to play a unique and important role in fighting for the rights of working people.
After much reflection, today I am announcing that I will not be running for re-election as President at the November Convention.
This was not an easy decision nor was it taken lightly – but it is the right decision at the right time. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and have a deep appreciation for the level of commitment our activists have to this movement.
The Federation today is known across the province and the country as a progressive voice for the rights of all working people, whether they are fortunate enough to have a union card or not. Our campaigns for late-night workers, for farm worker safety, for minimum wage increases and proper employment standards have been constant reminders that we in the labour movement practice what we preach – what we desire for ourselves, we wish for all.
Our Federation has a proud tradition of being there whenever an affiliate needs help. Whether it’s on the picket line, at the bargaining table, fighting contracting out, or stopping plant closures, we understand our job is building solidarity. Because together we are stronger.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support of Officers, affiliates, rank and file union members and the staff of the Federation. To all of you, a huge thank you.
I know there is much left to be accomplished and many more battles to be fought and I want to assure you I will continue to fight for a progressive and principled trade union movement that is not afraid of taking risks and fighting back.
A final thanks to my family who put up with my long hours and crazy life for all those years. Without their solidarity and love, I would never have survived the past 15 years.
See you on the line, wherever that may be. In solidarity,
JIM SINCLAIR