Object Archives | Solidarity: The Largest Political Protest in British Columbia’s History

Solidarity Alberta button

The Solidarity movement in 1983 in BC became an example for others across Canada, including this 1984 campaign in Alberta.

Buttons and pins from 1983

The anti-climactic end to the Solidarity movement of 1983 tends to overshadow what was one of the most significant moments in BC labour history, bringing together labour and […]

BCTF strike placards

Used picket signs are now part of archival collections and demonstrate a newly politicized BC Teachers’ Federation after their participation in Solidarity in 1983.

BCGEU strike placard

Strike placards carried by members of the BCGEU referenced part of the Social Credit legislation which would give public employers the right to fire workers without cause thus […]

“This Budget Hurts Women” public meeting poster

Many of the Social Credit government’s bills were passed by imposing closure on the legislature and limiting debate, despite widespread concerns about the impact they would have on […]

“Sit-in at the Hotel Vancouver” poster

Without the benefit of social media, computers or cell phones, organizers used printed materials and telephones for communication.

August 10th button

The emotional highlight of the summer of 1983 was the Solidarity protest on August 10 at Empire Stadium in Vancouver.

Solidarity Coalition buttons and pins

The Solidarity Coalition produced its own buttons and pins during the fightback campaign.

Rallies across British Columbia

Opposition to the provincial budget crossed union and community lines as pressure was put on government MLAs in their own communities to back off on its legislative package. […]

Tranquille button

The BC Government Employees’ Union fought the planned closure of the Tranquille Institution in Kamloops arguing there were no plans in place for the residents who lived with […]

BCGEU Flag in 2018

The BCGEU flag, fashioned from a bedsheet, which flew over Tranquille Institution in 1983 has been preserved in the archives of the Union.

BCGEU Flag at Tranquille

On July 19, 1983 members of the BC Government Employees’ Union began a three-week occupation of the Tranquille Institution in Kamloops after learning its closure was planned. They […]