The New Brunswick Federation of Labour was organized at a meeting of union delegates in Saint John on 16 September 1913, making it the third provincial federation of labour to be established in Canada, after British Columbia and Alberta.

In early 1914 the Federation obtained a charter from the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada.

The Federation has a long record of support for social reforms that protect the rights of union members and promote the interests of the province's working class.

[2] The NBFL is composed of unionized workers within the province, having representatives attending its conventions from almost every community in New Brunswick where a labour organization exists.

In addition to its growth in size and influence since its beginnings, the Federation has benefited from greater diversity in membership, especially the participation of francophones, women and public sector workers.