This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Rachel Garrick contributed 83 entries already.
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Every year, we stop and remember the 14 women murdered at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989 simply because they were women. It’s a heavy day, and it should be. Their deaths forced Canada to face the reality of gender-based violence. For […]
We were devastated to learn of the brutal murder of 20-year-old Minnesota welder Amber Czech, killed on the job by a coworker November 11. Our condolences go to her family, friends and coworkers. Workers are killed at work far too often, for far too many reasons. But this particular loss strikes a nerve for many […]
BCFMWU President Eric McNeely spoke at Tuesday’s WorkSafeBC public hearing on proposed changes to section 8.39 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The amendment removes the “clean shaven” requirement for tight-fitting respirators and replaces it with interference-based language. The union supports the change as a step forward. But McNeely also made it clear there’s […]
Being born and raised in rural Nanaimo, I started in my dad’s footsteps as volunteer firefighter in 1997 and later got all my structural firefighting, hazmat and first aid certifications. The marine industry was never a thought for me until I applied to BC Ferries in 2010. I worked as a terminal attendant, equipment operator, […]
B.C.’s new Look West strategy sets out a bold vision: more shipbuilding, stronger ports and a bigger maritime footprint for B.C. That part is great. We all want vessels built here, serviced here and repaired here. It’s good for jobs, good for skills and good for the coast. But the plan has a big blind […]
NANAIMO — A new poll shows overwhelming public support for rebuilding B.C.’s shipbuilding industry. The poll, conducted by Leger and commissioned by the Build Them Here Shipbuilding Coalition, shows eighty-four per cent of British Columbians want the provincial government to develop a plan to keep shipbuilding work and expertise in the province. Sixty-one per […]
Transport Canada has introduced mandatory fatigue management training for all seafarers. Before you can enrol in any Marine Emergency Duties (MED) course, you now need to complete the free Fatigue Management at Sea online course. Fatigue is a serious safety risk at sea. This training covers how to recognize fatigue, manage rest, and reduce the […]
This week, the Senate transport committee is holding hearings on how to protect transport services during labour disruptions. We’ve submitted a brief, making one thing clear: safe, reliable ferry service depends on fair bargaining and respecting workers’ constitutional right to strike. Our message is simple. When workers have real leverage, safety issues get fixed, staffing […]
The 2025 federal budget commits $6.6 billion in Canada’s defence shipbuilding industry and major national projects. But one critical piece is missing: support for ferry-dependent communities in British Columbia. Budget 2025 also celebrates lowering fares for ferry users in Atlantic Canada, but there’s no new passenger subsidy for B.C., where ferries are not optional. They […]
On Remembrance Day, we honour Canadians who served and sacrificed for our freedom, including the many veterans and active service members in our communities and in our union family. The union hall will be closed on Tuesday, November 11. Our flag will be flown at half-mast in recognition of those who served. We know many […]
11marAll Day13Bargaining Conference 2025
Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC
1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4
Conference Timeline with Deadlines (PDF) Forms: Resolution Form (Fillable PDF) Nomination for Delegate 2025 (Fillable PDF) Nomination for Alternate