The LFA was formed in 1970 to represent faculty at the new Langara Campus of what was then called Vancouver City College (later renamed Vancouver Community College). The LFA became certified as a union in 1974 when the BC Labour Code was first applied to college instructors, and it has continued as the certified bargaining agent for faculty since Langara became an independent college in 1994. The LFA is local 14 affiliated with the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC (FPSE).

In 2013/14, the LFA conducted a review of its membership in FPSE, facilitated by Past President Alan Cooper. The final report was presented to members at the May 2014 AGM. At that meeting, members voted to affirm continued membership in FPSE.