Entries by Rachel Garrick

2025 budget: Ottawa missed the boat

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 […]

Lest We Forget: Honouring Remembrance Day.

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 […]

Krista’s story: Finding heart and home on the water

When I first moved to Cortes Island in 2015, I came from a background in education. I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep doing that kind of work, but I knew I wanted to find my place in the community. A few months in, I started doing childcare for someone who worked on the ferry […]

BC Ferries is leaving British Columbians waiting

Recently, coastal mayors criticized BC Ferries for leaving ferry-dependent communities in the lurch, pointing out that cancellations and delays have increased while service has declined. BC Ferries’ response, that smaller routes operate at a deficit, was revealing. President Eric McNeely recently shared his perspective on what needs to change to make sure BC Ferries serves coastal […]

Statement on Canada Pulse Insights poll

We get it. People want new ferries now. We know better than most that BC Ferries needs new ships. We operate and repair the ships you rely on every day. We also know that when we build ferries overseas, we lose thousands of good jobs, apprenticeships for young people and hundreds of millions in local […]

MEDIA RELEASE | Ferry workers report abuse and threats ahead of holiday travel

For immediate release October 10, 2025 Ferry workers report abuse and threats  ahead of holiday travel NANAIMO — As Thanksgiving weekend approaches and terminals brace for record traffic, a survey of BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union members shows crews are facing disturbing levels of abuse from passengers. “Behind every sailing is a crew doing […]

Thanks to the crews who keep B.C. moving 🍂🥧

While many British Columbians are carving up turkey and pumpkin pie, ferry workers will be out there, sailing, fixing, loading, cleaning: doing their best to get everyone where they need to go. Our union hall is closed Monday October 13th, but local and component presidents and shop stewards are on duty for anyone who needs […]

Almost 10,000 jobs lost; leaked report shows B.C. could have built ferries

The leaked Seaspan report confirms what we’ve said all along: BC Ferries vessels could and should be built in British Columbia. Instead of investing at home, leadership is focussed on sending billions overseas, ignoring nearly 10,000 jobs, $1.1 billion in economic activity and $234 million in tax revenue. This was a failure of leadership. Without […]

Progress on clean-shaven rule thanks to members’ efforts

WorkSafeBC will review the “clean shaven” respirator requirement (OHSR section 8.39) on an expedited basis, with consultation and a public hearing planned for November 2025. Progress on this issue follows the strong advocacy of our union and the determination of members who spoke out and pushed for change. This outcome is the direct result of […]