This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Rachel Garrick contributed 114 entries already.
June 25 is the Day of the Seafarer. This year’s campaign, My Harassment-Free Ship, puts the spotlight on bullying and harassment at sea. The goal: a global maritime culture rooted in safety, respect and accountability. As a union, we know that harassment and bullying are workplace issues. They’re not just personal experiences; they’re violations of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I love our history. I love our union. And I love supporting people. That’s what keeps me coming back after nearly 13 years at BC Ferries. I work on the Brentwood Bay–Mill Bay route, what we call the most beautiful shortcut. It’s a unique run. I do ticketing and terminal work right onboard the vessel. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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