Entries by Rachel Garrick

Budget 2027: Three priorities for B.C.’s marine transportation system

Every year, the province invites public recommendations ahead of the provincial budget. Your union submitted three priorities for B.C.’s 2027 provincial budget that focus on what ferry workers and passengers need. Our recommendations call on the province to: Build ferries in B.C., keeping ferry construction, refit and maintenance work in the province, sending paycheques into […]

Union hall closure for Canada Day 🫎

While many British Columbians enjoy a well-earned day off this Canada Day, thousands of BCFMWU members will be doing what they do every holiday, safely carrying passengers, connecting coastal communities and keeping the province moving. Thank you. We never take your dedication for granted, especially on one of the busiest travel days of the year. […]

Changing directors is easy. Fixing BC Ferries is harder.

Friday’s BC Ferry Authority director shuffle should be the beginning of a serious public conversation about how our ferry system is being managed. “Changing directors is easy. Fixing BC Ferries is harder,” said BCFMWU President Eric McNeely. “British Columbians have watched ferry fares climb while delays and reliability have taken a hit. We deserve to […]

Grill & Chill 2026 raises $2000 for Cops for Cancer

Thank you to everyone who joined Local 1 for our Grill & Chill 2026 event. It was a wonderful day of great food, fun, and community spirit. We are proud to share that, through the generosity of our members and supporters, Local 1’s Good & Welfare Committee raised $2,000 in support of Cops for Cancer. […]

Fair winds, Tachek. ⚓

Photos by BCFMWU member Andrew Glen. For nearly 60 years, Tachek connected communities. She makes her final sailing today. Behind every crossing were skilled ferry workers who knew her well and safely carried generations of passengers home. Capt. Chris Klassen, who sailed her as relief captain, remembers her as a “cool little ship” and a […]

One union, many cultures. Mabuhay!

The recent Mabuhay Celebration in Victoria brought together union members, their families, friends, and community members for a day filled with cultural pride, fellowship and unity. The event showcased the rich heritage of the Filipino community while strengthening bonds among union members and the broader maritime workforce. The celebration highlighted the values that define the […]

Step up for him: Men’s mental health at work

Men account for 75 per cent of suicides. Too many in our marine community have been affected by this loss. This Men’s Health Month, we’re sharing practical advice in a guest post from HeadsUpGuys on recognizing when someone may be struggling, starting difficult conversations and finding support. Experiencing the loss of someone we knew and […]

Keep safe working in hot weather 🌞

As summer temperatures rise, heat becomes a workplace safety issue. 🥵 For ferry and marine workers, heat exposure can look different depending on the job. It could mean working on deck in direct sun, loading and unloading vehicles, directing traffic in terminals, working in engine spaces or spending long shifts in hot indoor environments such […]

Looking after yourself is part of the job

In ferry and marine work, people are used to showing up, getting through the shift and taking care of business, no matter what. But long schedules, physical demands, time away from home and stress can take a toll. As Canada develops its first Men and Boys’ Health Strategy, the conversation is expanding beyond illness to […]

Who does what? A quick guide to how BCFMWU works

Ever wondered who handles grievances, who makes decisions or what your local executive does? BCFMWU is member-led. That means members choose who represents them and have a say in the work and direction of the union through meetings, elections and participation. Here’s a quick look at how it works. Shop stewards Members who volunteer to […]