Anyone who has lived in B.C. or follows political trends in Canada knows that our most westerly province is reputed to be one of the most politically polarized provinces in the nation. A lot of that has to do with the province’s unions, which are known for being formidable opponents at the bargaining table, and if it comes to that, on the picket lines.

But it’s not all black and white. There is a lot of nuance that only people who see the dynamics behind the scenes really understand. Rod Mickleburgh has been covering the labour movement in B.C. since the 1970s.  He’s the author of a new book, On the Line: A History of the British Columbia Labour Movement.  

On today’s rabble radio, he shares some thoughts with Victoria Fenner about some of the significant events in worker struggles that have helped create the province of B.C. as we know it today.

Image: Vancouver Province front page by Rod Mickleburgh

Like this podcast? rabble is reader/listener supported journalism.

rabble radio

Hosted by Breanne Doyle, rabble radio is the flagship podcast of rabble.ca. rabble breaks down the news of the day from a progressive lens.

rabble radio brings you closer to the stories that matter to you. If you’re curious about the latest news in Canadian politics, labour, environment, or social justice, you’ve come to the right place. This is news for the rest of us – free of corporate influence.