This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Rachel Garrick contributed 146 entries already.
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 […]
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 […]
The union hall is closed Tuesday, July 1 for the stat, but we know many of you are working straight through. Long hours. Packed terminals. Frustrated passengers. Not enough hands and barely time to catch your breath. If you’re out there this weekend—thank you. You’re the reason the system keeps running. We see the pressure […]
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