Interview with David Yorke

The interview covers David Yorke's participation in two pivotal legal challenges, as well as the various labour history projects he has been involved in since his retirement. Two prior interviews by the BC Teachers' Federation History Project Group cover his earlier life and career, and those can be seen in our BCTF Showcase.

David Yorke discusses his role in assisting the Hospital Employees' Union with their Supreme Court case on collective bargaining rights, as well as the BCTF's successful legal challenge against the provincial government's stripping of their collective agreement.

Yorke also describes his work with the On-to-Ottawa Trek Historical Society, including the creation of a permanent plaque commemorating the trek. Additionally, he shares his longstanding interest in the history of the Mackenzie-Papineau contingent of the International Brigades who fought in the Spanish Civil War, including editing and publishing a memoir by veteran Ron Liversedge. Yorke also details his extensive collection of union pins and buttons, which he ultimately donated to Simon Fraser University's Special Collections. Finally, he discusses his involvement with the BC Labour Heritage Centre and its efforts to preserve and promote the province's labour history. Yorke's dedication to documenting and sharing labour history reflects his deep appreciation for the movement's pivotal role in shaping Canadian society and improving the lives of workers.