Entries by Rachel Garrick

Recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day

June is National Indigenous History Month, June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day. “A time to reflect, learn the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.” Join me in saying “Tawâw” (Come In, You’re welcome), from my Ojibwe Cree nation to yours. There are many gatherings and resources […]

Barnston Island ferry workers join BCFMWU

MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release June 16, 2025 Barnston Island ferry workers join BC Ferries & Marine Workers’ Union VICTORIA — The BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union is proud to welcome Barnston Island ferry workers as our newest members. These workers provide a lifeline to one of the Lower Mainland’s most unique communities, home […]

Celebrating 47 years of solidarity

On June 17, 1978, our union took a historic step by signing our first collective agreement. For 47 years now, that pivotal moment has stood as the foundation for fair wages, safer workplaces and stronger rights for every member. Since that day, countless members have carried forward the spirit of solidarity and advocacy, ensuring our […]

Wage arbitration: What’s next for our fight for fairness

The wage reopener decision fell short, and our members are feeling it. In a recent article in The Tyee, President Eric McNeely lays out the facts. The decision awarded just 1.65 per cent for 2025, which is below inflation and well behind other public sector settlements. Over the life of this contract, BC Ferries workers […]

Remembering Kenny Chohan

Five years ago today, on June 12, brother Kulwant (Kenny) Chohan died while working at Deas Dock. Kenny was a welder, a father, a husband and a friend. His death is a devastating and enduring reminder of why workplace safety matters, that every worker deserves to come home alive. BC Ferries was fined for unsafe […]

Salt Spring deserves a say

In a recent editorial, BCFMWU President Eric McNeely raises concerns about BC Ferries’ proposed changes to Route 6 and the lack of meaningful consultation with Salt Spring Island residents and workers. Replacing the Quinsam with two smaller Island-class ferries, both homeported off-island risks local jobs and emergency response times. Most troubling is the lack of […]

Statement: BC Ferries contract with Chinese state-owned shipyard

BC Ferries has confirmed it will award a major shipbuilding contract to a state-owned shipyard in China. This is more than just outsourcing. It is a political choice with long-term consequences. British Columbians have been clear: they want ferries built here, by Canadian workers, not by authoritarian regimes with records of human rights abuses and […]

Canada’s marine sector is facing a critical workforce shortage

A new national study from the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation shows Canada needs 8,300 new seafarers by 2029. That is more than 30 per cent of today’s workforce, just to meet demand and replace retirees. Yet at current graduation rates, marine training programs will only meet 40 per cent of that demand. Meanwhile, existing workers […]

A heartbreaking day for our coastal community

We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life near the Horseshoe Bay terminal yesterday. Our members are trained to respond in emergencies, and we are grateful and proud of the assistance they offered. We know this tragedy deeply affected every member at the terminal. We also acknowledge the broader transit community, including TransLink […]