This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Rachel Garrick contributed 146 entries already.
This week marks the anniversary of one of the darkest nights in B.C.’s coastal transportation history. On March 22, 2006, the Queen of the North struck Gil Island in Wright Sound and sank in the early hours of the morning. Of the 101 passengers and crew on board, 99 survived. Two passengers, Gerald Foisy and […]
Like any crew, your union works best when we pull together. Getting involved doesn’t mean you have to run for office or spend hours in meetings. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as showing up, asking questions or introducing yourself to your shop steward. Here are some ways to get more involved. Attend a […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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