Entries by Rachel Garrick

Photo of the Week: Changing the mast light on the Spirit of Vancouver Island

This picture was taken by FSU Electrician Brian McNeil during the annual changing of the aft mast light on the Spirit of Vancouver Island.  Pictured from left to right is Josh Yeung, Grant Stevens, Mark Armstrong, Matt Mansley and Devon Hall. Deckhand Mark will retire in April after 38 years of dedication to BC Ferries, […]

Gary Caroline: Building the next generation of union negotiators

I’m the executive director of the BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union and I work closely with the bargaining committee as the union’s lead negotiator. I’ve spent close to 40 years working in labour law. Even before that, while I was in law school, I worked for unions doing their legal work. My father was […]

Ottawa confirms no security review on China-built ferries

Federal officials have confirmed that there has been no national security review of BC Ferries’ new vessel order from a Chinese state-owned shipyard, despite the project receiving taxpayer financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The admission came during testimony before the House of Commons Transport Committee February 25. Public safety officials said Ottawa had no […]

Carrot cake on deck and the crew that makes it matter

For ferry crews, familiar faces become part of the rhythm of the route. On the Bowen Island run, one of those familiar faces is Keith. Every day, Keith takes the 7:30 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. sailings on the Queen of Capilano to visit his wife in long-term care. He’s become a regular presence for the […]

Women in maritime: still charting a course

Marine work is still one of the most male-dominated sectors globally. The International Maritime Organization estimates women make up about 1 per cent of the world’s seafarers. In Canada, women represent roughly 25 percent of the overall marine transportation workforce, but only about 3 to 7 percent of navigation, deck and marine engineering roles. In […]

Respect at work: what Pink Shirt Day means for union members

Pink Shirt Day started in Nova Scotia in 2007, when two high school students bought and distributed pink shirts after a younger student was bullied for wearing one. What began as a small act of solidarity is now marked across Canada each February. For unions, the message goes beyond kindness. It’s about dignity at work. […]

February 22, 2026

Inverlussa Marine Services will be bringing the vessel M/V Isaac McKinnon to Canada on a Coasting Trade License from May 1 to August 31, 2026. The vessel will treat and transport live Smolt from piers, fish arrive by road haulage and are then loaded into the vessel. Once loaded the vessel will depart for the marine site. During […]

What Budget 2026 means for ferry workers

Budget 2026 includes billions in capital spending and new investments in skilled trades training, but no clear commitment to build the next generation of BC Ferries vessels at home. Since 2017, the NDP has made repeated commitments to rebuild B.C.’s shipbuilding capacity and support domestic ferry construction. Yet the most recent major ferry contract went […]

Statement on disappearance during ferry sailing

This week has been a difficult one for ferry workers. Crews were deeply affected by the disappearance of a man who went overboard during a sailing in the Strait of Georgia. We thank the marine and air search and rescue partners who assisted in the search, including the Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Marine Search […]

Family Day and the work that keeps B.C. moving

The union hall will be closed Monday, February 16 for Family Day. Support is still available over the long weekend. If you need help, please contact your local or component president. Family Day is about spending time with the people who matter most. We see and value the work ferry workers do every long weekend, […]