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:

• BC Gurdwaras Council (pdf)
• Khalsa Aid Canada (pdf)
• Gurdwara Sahib Miri Piri Darbar Sikh Temple, Nanaimo (pdf)
• Guru Arjun Dev Society, Powell River (pdf)

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.

We are heartbroken by the tragic events at Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day celebration on April 26, where 11 people lost their lives and many more were injured.

As a union, we extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected—especially our Filipino members and the broader community.

In moments like this, there are no easy answers. But we can name the grief, acknowledge the pain and stand with those who are hurting. We can also demand better systems — mental health care, crisis prevention, and safe, inclusive public spaces for everyone.

In grief, in solidarity, we encourage all members to take a moment to honour the lives lost.