We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life near the Horseshoe Bay terminal yesterday. Our members are trained to respond in emergencies, and we are grateful and proud of the assistance they offered. We know this tragedy deeply affected every member at the terminal. We also acknowledge the broader transit community, including TransLink […]
Behind his smile, he’s struggling. In Canada, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for men under the age of 50. Men make up 75 per cent of suicides. About 8 men die by suicide every day, more than 3,000 lives lost each year. Help us fight stigma and build strength. From June 1–15, […]
BCFMWU stands in solidarity with the members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) as they fight for better working conditions, fair wages and safer workplaces. Postal workers have always been there for our communities—from delivering essentials during wildfires and floods to connecting loved ones through the pandemic. Their fight is our fight. Every […]
Service cuts, vessel breakdowns, offshore shipbuilding and the loss of community voices: it’s all connected. And the communities that rely on ferries every day are paying the price. We’ve teamed up with former Ferry Advisory Committee chairs to say enough is enough. Coastal ferry service should be shaped by input from the people who live […]
Last week, I wrote to Canada’s new Minister of Transport, Chrystia Freeland, and Secretary of State for Labour, John Zerucelli. We welcomed them to their new roles and made sure they heard directly from us about what matters to ferry workers. From lack of federal investment in B.C.’s ferry system to gaps in labour standards […]
Last week, I travelled the North Coast with our SOC President Capt Chris Klassen and the Local 10 and 15 presidents, visiting members in Sandspit, Skidegate, aboard the Northern Adventure, the Kwuna, and participating in two joint local meetings while docked in Prince Rupert. It was a great chance to meet with crews, hear what’s […]
Photo via the City of Vancouver Archives. On May 23, 1914, the Komagata Maru arrived in Vancouver carrying 376 passengers, most of whom were denied entry due to racist immigration laws. The ship was forced to return to India, where many passengers were met with violence. This anniversary is a reminder of Canada’s history of […]
On Monday, our union proudly joined the Victoria Day Parade with a decorated truck in support of Mabuhay!, an annual celebration of Filipino culture and community. Members, families and friends came together to celebrate and show our solidarity with the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society and the broader Filipino community. This year’s parade appearance carried […]
Our union hall will be closed on Monday, May 19 for Victoria Day, but we know many of you will still be out there doing what you always do: showing up, getting the job done, and keeping the coast moving. Statutory holidays look different for ferry and marine workers. While many British Columbians are spending […]
This May 18, on the International Day for Women in Maritime, we celebrate the strength, skill and perseverance of women in maritime. The International Maritime Organization has declared this year’s theme An Ocean of Opportunities for Women, a reminder that women are not just part of the maritime world, they’re helping lead it. On our […]