Art Kube Fonds
The Art Kube fonds includes newspaper clippings, flyers, leaflets, research papers, legislation, briefs, speaking notes, press releases, personal notes, photographs, and documents pertaining to Operation Solidarity and the Solidarity Coalition.
Art Kube (1935-2019), immigrated to Canada from Poland at age 19 and became involved in the labour movement in the 1960s. He worked for the Canadian Labour Congress before becoming President of the BC Federation of Labour from 1983 to 1986.
This period was particularly turbulent due to the Social Credit provincial government, and Kube’s work during this time centered on Operation Solidarity and the Solidarity Coalition.
After his presidency, he returned to the Canadian Labour Congress, focusing on projects related to literacy, industrial strategy, labour adjustment, and employment creation.
In retirement, Kube was deeply involved with the Council of Senior Citizens Organization of BC (COSCO) and the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation, ultimately receiving the Order of Canada in 2015 for his lifelong commitments.
A detailed file list and inventory are available as a finding aid. Key subjects and organizations represented in the collection include Art Kube himself, the BC Federation of Labour, the Canadian Labour Congress, Operation Solidarity, and the Solidarity Coalition.
The file list provides a detailed breakdown of the collection’s contents by reference code, title, dates, and container.
● various records related to Operation Solidarity and the Solidarity Coalition from 1983-1986, including attendance sheets, reports, agendas, minutes, and financial reports.
● newspaper clippings
● photographic materials, including two photo albums, loose photographs, and a personal letter.
● monthly minders and appointment books from 1973-1990
● materials related to Kube’s election as President of the BC Federation of Labour
● printed materials on politics and labour, speeches, and reports
● CCF and NDP song books
● CLC Winter Schools, reports, discussion papers, and extensive correspondence
● ephemera such as signs, delegate badges, a plaque of appreciation, photographs, and a Pharmacare flag.
● Oversize items include posters, decals, a record album, a campaign placard, and various commemorative items.
● Cassette tapes, CDs, and videotapes are also included.