Who We Are

The VDLC represents 60,000 workers from over 90 affiliated unions in our community.

Labour council members work at food stores, on the docks, in public services, construction and much more.

We work to advance the rights, common interests, and welfare of working people through political action, education, community service, and active solidarity. We unite to build just, affordable, and resilient communities.

We are a chartered body of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), representing 3.5 million unionized Canadians. The VDLC was founded in 1889 as the “Vancouver Trades and Labour Council”, making it one of the oldest labour organizations in the country.

The offices of the VDLC reside on the traditional, unceded territory of the ​xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) nations.

Executive Board

The 17 member elected VDLC Executive Board is made up of delegates from labour council affiliates in both the public and private sectors. The president is a full time position, while others hold jobs where their union is certified.

The Executive Board meets monthly to oversee the work of the labour council and recommend motions to monthly delegate meetings. Executive Board members also chair VDLC committees, participate in the council’s activities and mentor new activists. Meetings are also attended by the assigned representative from the Canadian Labour Congress.

Eligibility for election is detailed in Section 6 of the VDLC Constitution.

Stephen von Sychowski President
Bal Sandhu 1st Vice President
Seema Ahluwalia 2nd Vice President
Stefan Nielsen Treasurer
Shane Polak Recording Secretary
Chena Binns Member at Large
Jordan Both Member at Large
Aaron Cook Member at Large
Bryan Doolan Member at Large
Gary Jarvis Member at Large
Mike Logan Member at Large
Chloe Martin-Cabanne Member at Large
Karen McVeigh Member at Large
Jason Sullivan Member at Large
Frank Warwick Member at Large
Jason Woods Member at Large
Amandeep Nijjar CLC Representative
Connor Sove Young Worker Representative
Debbie Mohabir Trustee
Carol Nordby Trustee
Graham O'Neill Trustee

Staff

VDLC staff is represented by the Movement of United Professionals (MoveUP) and covered under the Master Trade Union Group.

Email: office@vdlc.ca

Elizabeth Buckham Executive Assistant

Committees

Contact us for more information on joining a committee, or to be put in touch with a committee chairperson.

Anti-Racism
Works to oppose systemic racism and build an anti-racist labour movement.

Education
Coordinates the labour council’s educational programs. Courses include labour law, collective bargaining, public speaking, economics and more. Programs are low cost and accessible.

We also include educational components in many of our regular monthly meetings, and organize occasional evening educational sessions.

Housing Action Team
Working group of the Municipal Engagement Committee dedicated to advocating around issues of affordable housing and tenant rights.

Municipal Engagement Committee
Identifies and mobilizes around issues affecting working people at the municipal level.

Political Action
Coordinates the vetting and endorsement process and campaign strategy for municipal elections, and participates in lobbying.

Solidarity in Action
Provides support for workers and unions engaged in labour disputes.

Women’s Committee
This women only committee organizes an annual International Women’s Day Dinner and offers educational programs for women.

Young Workers’
Brings together young workers (30 years and under) for education, discussion and support to develop skills, and gain experience in labour activism.