Our union hall will be closed on Monday, May 19 for Victoria Day, but we know many of you will still be out there doing what you always do: showing up, getting the job done, and keeping the coast moving.

Statutory holidays look different for ferry and marine workers. While many British Columbians are spending the long weekend with friends and family, you’re crewing vessels, staffing terminals, managing safety, repairing ships and helping passengers get where they need to go. You’re responding to emergencies, coordinating sailings and supporting marine operations in every corner of the province, rain or shine, day or night.

You keep essential services running. You connect communities. You do it all with professionalism, care and pride.

We see you. We’re grateful for everything you do. And we’re proud to represent you.

In solidarity,
BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union

For two months, passengers with mobility issues have been unable to safely access the upper decks of the Northern Adventure due to a broken elevator.

For many, especially those in remote North Coast communities, this vessel is the only connection to health care, family and essential services. Front-line workers are caught in the middle, unable to safely help due to employer policies.

Moves are finally being made: technicians were back on board this week to begin repairs and repair technicians are working on a long-term fix.

The union is calling for urgent action, proper accommodations for passengers requiring assistance and a plan to prevent future failures.

Read more: Elevator outage on Northern Adventure highlights accessibility gaps for disabled passengers

WorkSafeBC rules say you must be clean-shaven to wear certain respirators. But for some workers—especially Sikh men—shaving isn’t an option because of their faith.

Right now, that means they’re being shut out of some jobs, even when safe alternatives exist. That’s not fair, and it’s not necessary.

We’re not asking for safety standards to be lowered. We’re asking regulators and employers to consider equipment that works for everyone, including gear already used in other places that can accommodate facial hair.

Several Sikh organizations have now sent letters supporting this push for change. We thank them for standing with us to protect both safety and human rights.

Read the letters:

On May 5th, we join people from across the country in observing Red Dress Day, a day to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people (MMIWG2S+).

Red Dress Day originated from the REDress Project by Métis artist Jamie Black. The red dresses hung in public symbolize the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people who have gone missing or been murdered across Canada. It is a stark and powerful reminder of the ongoing violence rooted in racism, and systemic inequality.

As BCFMWU members, we are committed to reconciliation, equity, and justice. On this day we encourage you to:

• Wear red to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
• Take a moment of silence in honour of those lost and those still searching for answers.
• Educate yourself on the findings of the National Inquiry into MMIWG and the Calls for Justice.
• Support Indigenous-led initiatives working for change and justice.

First Nations Vision Committee
Byron Irving
Melissa Harper

Women’s Committee
Hayley Walker
Kimberly Cole
Robynn Pitcher

Congratulations to Prime Minister Carney on forming government.

As the national conversation shifts, our focus stays the same: fighting for what matters to our members. That means reliable federal funding for our ferry system, stronger marine safety standards and policies that respect and protect ferry and marine workers.

We look forward to working with this government, and members of parliament, to ensure coastal communities are heard and our members are supported.

The election may be over, but our advocacy continues.