Entries by Rachel Garrick

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada. Every day, our union members help connect people along the coast, including many Indigenous communities. We support vital transportation links connecting families, workers, goods, services and cultures. This month […]

Celebrating Pride Month

June is Pride Month in B.C. and many parts of Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, contributions and diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Hard-working BCFMWU members come from many backgrounds and experiences. Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of respect, dignity, inclusion and ensuring workplaces are places where everyone […]

Injured Workers’ Day highlights chronic pain

Marine and ferry work can be physically demanding. Years working on deck, in engine rooms, terminals, catering operations and trades and maintenance shops can take a toll. June 1 is Injured Workers’ Day, a day to recognize the challenges injured workers face and to push for better support and fair treatment. This year, the focus […]

May 28, 2026

Coasting trade opportunity: MV Saga The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada is seeking qualified applicants for the following position aboard the Cyprus-flagged MV Saga: Inventory Supervisor (Storekeeper) Inventory Supervisor (Storekeeper) Members interested in applying should contact the SIU Crewing Department by email before 2 p.m. Eastern on Monday, June 1, 2026. Email: crewing@seafarers.ca Please reference […]

Unions warn against weakening strike rights

Changes to Canada’s labour laws could directly affect how bargaining disputes unfold in federally regulated workplaces, including parts of the marine industry. BCFMWU members are covered under B.C.’s provincial Labour Relations Code, meaning these consultations wouldn’t directly govern bargaining for our components. That said, the review matters because federal labour policy helps shape debates around […]

Why we’re calling for a review of reciprocal arrangements

    We’re supporting a non-partisan petition asking the federal government to review reciprocal arrangements under the Canada Shipping Act and pause further expansion while that review takes place. Reciprocal arrangements allow foreign-certified mariners to work in Canada without completing the full Canadian certification process. These arrangements can help address immediate labour shortages, but aren’t […]

Keeping B.C. moving this Victoria Day long weekend

Long weekends are some of the busiest and most stressful times for ferry and marine workers. While most people are travelling, taking breaks and spending time with family, our members are working long hours behind the scenes to keep passengers, cargo and communities moving safely. To every member working through the Victoria Day long weekend, […]

Atlantic Canada gets ferry fare cuts. B.C. gets excuses.

Prime Minister Mark Carney proudly listed cutting ferry fares by 50 per cent in Atlantic Canada as one of his core achievements during a recent fireside chat with Canadians. Workers, families and coastal communities in the Maritimes deserve affordable marine transportation. But so do people in British Columbia. Ottawa subsidizes multiple ferry routes in Atlantic […]