Entries by Rachel Garrick

From lost stock to found hope: Phil’s story

I’ve been taking BC Ferries most of my adult life and always wondered how they work behind the scenes. When the chance came up to join the supply chain team, I jumped at it. It gave me a chance to see the inner workings of the system, how parts move, how repairs happen, how everything […]

When the coast guard isn’t there, we are

Ferry crews don’t set out to be first responders, but when trouble hits the water, they often are. It doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, training and quick action save lives. Recently, two passengers went overboard on back-to-back days on the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay route. Crews launched rescue boats within minutes. Another ferry and […]

MEDIA RELEASE | Hullo files for mediation instead of meeting union at the table

For immediate release September 5, 2025 NANAIMO — Hullo Ferries’ management is stalling instead of bargaining after the company filed for mediation in response to the union’s conditions for resuming talks. “Last week the employer declared impasse after tabling a single ‘take it or leave it’ proposal. Since then, they’ve backpedaled on declaring an impasse […]

Life in the galley: Feeding thousands, ready for anything

I’m a chief cook, but I’m also trained as a first responder. At BC Ferries, catering staff don’t just serve meals, we’re ready for emergencies too. If there’s an evacuation, a fire, a man overboard, or a security incident, we’re expected to respond with precision. That’s part of the marine industry. It’s not if those […]

Solidarity never takes a holiday

The union hall will be closed Labour Day but help is only a call away. Local presidents and shop stewards will be available for support. We know long weekends can be some of the toughest times on the job, and we’re grateful for your hard work and dedication. Labour Day is more than a long […]

From casual to cashier: Building a career at sea

I’ve been with BC Ferries for 13 years now, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I like the people I work with, and that makes a big difference. When I started, I was a cleaner. My goal from day one was to be a cashier. It took me six years of casual shifts, […]

Historic win: Air Canada flight attendants end unpaid work

Air Canada flight attendants, represented by CUPE, have reached a tentative agreement after days of pressure and picket lines. The deal ends unpaid work and stands as a historic win for free collective bargaining. The CLC  said, “By refusing to bow to government interference, CUPE flight attendants exposed Section 107 for what it is: an […]

Eighty-four per cent passenger satisfaction, thanks to you

Our members delivered excellent service through the busiest year in BC Ferries’ history. We moved 22.7 million passengers, 9.7 million vehicles, handled record overloads and skillfully kept aging ships afloat. The numbers tell the story: 84 per cent of customers rated their ferry experience positively in 2024–25, up 2 per cent from the year before. […]