A few weeks ago, two high-profile incidents of violence against ferry workers made the news. But we know that’s just the tip of the iceberg. On the Spirit of British Columbia, two crew members were assaulted. On the Queen of Cumberland, a passenger with a sledgehammer was arrested at docking. These events made headlines, but […]
When we build ferry terminals or public infrastructure, every public dollar we spend should build our economy. Canadian steel supports thousands of good-paying union jobs (up to 120,000 direct and indirect nationwide). It meets higher environmental and labour standards than imported steel. It keeps our dollars circulating in our communities instead of shipping them overseas. […]
I was working at a little convenience store on Texada Island when a local deckhand came in. She looked at me and said, “We need deckhands. You should apply.” I thought, why not? I got hired on deck as a casual, but I’m a regular ERA now. That means I work in the engine […]
At a recent community forum, BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez made it clear that the plan to homeport both new Route 6 vessels in Crofton is a done deal. This move will remove all vessel-based jobs from the island, adding a two-hour commute for ferry workers. It will force some families to relocate. It will […]
In a new op-ed in the Vancouver Sun, President Eric McNeely responds to BC Ferries’ decision to buy four new vessels from a state-owned shipyard in China. He outlines the real cost of offshoring: lost jobs, lost skills, lost opportunities for Canadian workers, industries and communities. Eric argues that this decision didn’t have to happen. […]
Over a week ago, we wrote to BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez with questions about their procurement practices for steel needed for ferry repairs and terminal upgrades. We asked: • What does BC Ferries’ procurement policy say about sourcing steel for terminal and repair projects? • Are local suppliers and union labour prioritized? • Is […]
I grew up on Denman Island and back then, BC Ferries was the place to work. My brother was on the Denman run and the senior ticket agent recruited me. I can’t do the cold, so I didn’t work on the vessel, but ticketing was a good fit. I really like my job. I get […]
We’re proud to support the next generation of workers, leaders and changemakers through our annual education awards. This year, we awarded BCFMWU Tuition Awards, Barry Wartnow Endowment Fund bursaries and First Nations Vision Awards to members and their families pursuing post-secondary education. These awards reflect our union’s ongoing commitment to equity, opportunity and the belief […]
In May, we wrote to Prime Minister Carney calling for fair, permanent federal funding for B.C.’s ferry system, equal to what’s provided to Marine Atlantic and VIA Rail. We also called for a renewed commitment to Canadian shipbuilding. This week, Transport Canada responded. Their letter confirms what we already knew: B.C.’s ferry system isn’t being […]
On June 28, two of our members were violently attacked on the Spirit of British Columbia during the 7 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. One crew member was punched and another was kicked and bitten while intervening to ensure the safety of crew and passengers. Then on Canada Day, an agitated man on […]