We stand with Canada Post workers

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BCFMWU stands in solidarity with the members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) as they fight for better working conditions, fair wages and safer workplaces. Postal workers have always been there for our communities—from delivering essentials during wildfires and floods to connecting loved ones through the pandemic.

Their fight is our fight. Every worker has the right to stand up, to bargain, and to take action when necessary to win respect, dignity and a fair contract. We stand with CUPW in their fight to protect public services and improve conditions for all.

Solidarity forever.

Our coastal ferry system is in crisis

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Service cuts, vessel breakdowns, offshore shipbuilding and the loss of community voices: it’s all connected. And the communities that rely on ferries every day are paying the price.

We’ve teamed up with former Ferry Advisory Committee chairs to say enough is enough. Coastal ferry service should be shaped by input from the people who live here, create and support good jobs in Canada, and be backed by real federal investment.

👉 Read the full editorial here

#KeepTheCoastMoving

Welcome new federal transportation minister

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Last week, I wrote to Canada’s new Minister of Transport, Chrystia Freeland, and Secretary of State for Labour, John Zerucelli. We welcomed them to their new roles and made sure they heard directly from us about what matters to ferry workers.

From lack of federal investment in B.C.’s ferry system to gaps in labour standards and challenges with training and certification, these are real issues that affect our jobs, our safety and our families. If we don’t speak up, no one will do it for us.

We’ve asked to meet with both offices and will keep pushing to make sure our work gets the respect and support it deserves.

In solidarity,

Eric McNeely,
Provincial President

Read the letters
👉 Letter to Minister Freeland
👉 Letter to Secretary Zerucelli

 

 

Connecting with members across the province

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Last week, I travelled the North Coast with our SOC President Capt Chris Klassen and the Local 10 and 15 presidents, visiting members in Sandspit, Skidegate, aboard the Northern Adventure, the Kwuna, and participating in two joint local meetings while docked in Prince Rupert. It was a great chance to meet with crews, hear what’s on your minds and see the pride you bring to your job every day.

These kinds of visits are at the heart of what we do as union leaders. Thanks to everyone who took the time to speak with us. Your voices shape the direction we take, and we’re always listening.

In solidarity

Eric McNeely
Provincial president

Remembering the Komagata Maru

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Photo via the City of Vancouver Archives.

On May 23, 1914, the Komagata Maru arrived in Vancouver carrying 376 passengers, most of whom were denied entry due to racist immigration laws. The ship was forced to return to India, where many passengers were met with violence.

This anniversary is a reminder of Canada’s history of exclusion and the ongoing need to stand against racism in all its forms.

The union hall flag will be lowered to half-mast in remembrance.

Standing together: Celebrating Filipino culture in the face of tragedy

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On Monday, our union proudly joined the Victoria Day Parade with a decorated truck in support of Mabuhay!, an annual celebration of Filipino culture and community. Members, families and friends came together to celebrate and show our solidarity with the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society and the broader Filipino community.

This year’s parade appearance carried extra meaning, following the tragic events in Vancouver on April 26, when 11 people were killed attending a Lapu-Lapu Day festival. As union members, we stand against hate and violence in all forms.

Thank you to everyone who helped decorate the truck and took part in the day. We’re proud to stand beside you.

Victoria Day closure: We see you. We thank you.

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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

An ocean of opportunities for women: celebrating women in maritime

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This May 18, on the International Day for Women in Maritime, we celebrate the strength, skill and perseverance of women in maritime.

The International Maritime Organization has declared this year’s theme An Ocean of Opportunities for Women, a reminder that women are not just part of the maritime world, they’re helping lead it.

On our ships, women lead galley teams, work the decks, keep operations safe and running smoothly. From catering to command, engineering to administration, women in our union show up with grit, care and professionalism every day. It’s tough work, and it matters.

To all the women in our union who show up every day, at sea, on shore and behind the scenes — thank you. You inspire change just by doing your job. Your presence matters. Your work matters. And the future is better with you in it.

#WomenInMaritimeDay 🌊

Union calls out BC Ferries over months-long accessibility failure

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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

It’s time for fair ferry funding across Canada

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We’ve sent letters to Prime Minister Mark Carney calling for long-overdue federal investment in B.C.’s ferry system.

We believe British Columbians deserve equal treatment. Ferries are not a luxury. They are essential public infrastructure.

Quick facts: Federal transportation funding
Recipient Operating Funds Capital Funds Total Grants Year
VIA Rail $381.8 million $184.7 million $566.5 million 2023
Marine Atlantic $128.5 million $63.5 million $192 million 2023–24
BC Ferries $35.6 million N/A $35.6 million 2024

*Note: In 2023, BC Ferries also received a $75 million repayable loan.

We’ve asked the federal government to:

  • Establish permanent, equitable ferry funding indexed to inflation and ridership
  • Prioritize Canadian shipbuilding and good union jobs

Read our letters here:

👉 Letter to Prime Minister Carney
👉 Letter to B.C. Transportation Minister