Solidarity never takes a holiday

Photo credit Duane Burnette

The union hall will be closed Labour Day but help is only a call away. Local presidents and shop stewards will be available for support.

We know long weekends can be some of the toughest times on the job, and we’re grateful for your hard work and dedication.

Labour Day is more than a long weekend. It’s a Canadian tradition that began in the 1800s, when workers marched for the right to shorter hours, safer conditions and fair pay. Canada was the first country to make Labour Day a national holiday in 1894 after printers in Toronto went on strike, demanding a nine-hour day.

Every gain we’ve made as workers we made because we stood up, organized and bargained collectively.

Generations of ferry workers fought for safer ships, improved equipment and better working conditions. That spirit lives on today with our members, our bargaining committees, shop stewards and local presidents.

We celebrate our hard-won rights while recognizing the struggle still ahead.

Thanks to you, for keeping the coast moving, and to our local leaders who stand up for members every day, even holidays.

 

Bargaining FAQ


Bargaining FAQ

 

How long does bargaining take?

There’s no set timeline. Some rounds wrap up in a few months. Others take longer. It depends on how far apart the two sides are, how much progress we make at the table, and how willing the employer is to bargain in good faith. We’ll go article by article, trying to reach agreement. Some issues move fast. Others take time, especially wages, benefits and working conditions. We’ll keep members updated as things move. Your support matters every step of the way. The more united we are, the faster we can get to a fair deal.

 

What’s the difference between a grievance and bargaining?

A grievance deals with how the existing contract is applied; it’s about enforcing rights we already have. Bargaining is about improving the contract for the future. Both are important tools for protecting and advancing members’ interests.

 

What’s in a bargaining package?

Usually packages of language proposals, monetary or both from each side. Together they can cover everything from wages and benefits to safety, scheduling and time off. The union’s packages are built from what members have told us matters most. Once both sides exchange packages, we begin negotiating article by article.

 

Why can’t you share details of the proposals?

Bargaining is a strategic process. Some details can strengthen our position if kept at the table until the right time. Sharing everything too soon can give the employer a heads-up on our next moves or open the door to misunderstandings. We’ll update members when the timing protects our leverage and supports our goals.

 

Why does solidarity matter in bargaining?

Solidarity is our greatest strength. When members stick together, the employer can’t play groups against each other. Whether it’s workers walking a picket line, refusing unsafe work, or standing behind their bargaining committee, unity delivers results. When we bargain as one voice, we have the power to protect what we’ve won and push for real improvements that benefit everyone. You can back your bargaining team by staying informed, sharing updates with coworkers and standing behind the union in conversations on the job. Every show of unity tells the employer we’re serious and helps your committee push for the best deal.

 

What does solidarity look like?

Solidarity is the backbone of collective bargaining. When members stick together, employers see a united front and that’s what wins fair agreements. Every act of unity, big or small, shows the employer that we won’t be divided.

  • Wearing union pins, buttons or lanyards at work
  • Respecting picket lines (ours and other unions’)
  • Participating in legal job action when called
  • Showing up at local meetings, rallies or info sessions

Ferry terminal upgrades should build local jobs too

When we build  ferry terminals or public infrastructure, every public dollar we spend should build our economy.

Canadian steel supports thousands of good-paying union jobs (up to 120,000 direct and indirect nationwide). It meets higher environmental and labour standards than imported steel. It keeps our dollars circulating in our communities instead of shipping them overseas.

Cheaper steel from overseas is often subsidized, produced under poor conditions and dumped into markets in ways that distort fair competition. Canadian steel used in infrastructure must also meet stringent Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and ASTM quality standards.

Canadian steel  also has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world, due to strict domestic  manufacturing standards and pollution controls, making it the cleaner, most sustainable option. 

The Pattullo Bridge replacement shows what happens when we go with the cheapest option. The winning bid used steel that was $20 million cheaper than Canadian steel but it wasn’t always up to our standards. Project officials had to send a full-time team to the plant in China to keep an eye on quality. Even then, the steel arrived with problems. It needed major fixes and Canadian fabricators were called in to fix the mess before the bridge could open. So much for saving money.

Public projects should mean public benefit. If we’re investing in Canadian infrastructure, we should use Canadian steel, support Canadian jobs and grow Canadian capacity.

BC Ferries is about to break ground on major terminal projects up and down the coast. In fact, 35 per cent of BC Ferries terminals in a marginal or poor state of repair and 50 per cent plus of berths require major work

These are multi-million-dollar upgrades funded in part by the federal government. It’s not just about where the steel comes from, it’s about where the money goes.

Over a week ago, we wrote to BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez asking for clarity on how they source steel for terminal upgrades. We asked if their procurement policies prioritize Canadian suppliers and union labour, and whether they require any Canadian content at all. So far, no response.

British Colombians deserve transparency and accountability, especially when public money is involved. It’s time to invest in infrastructure that delivers for our communities, not just the lowest bidder.

Let’s use our taxpayer dollars to spark jobs, cut emissions and prove we can build world-class projects right here at home.

Upcoming terminal work

West Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay Terminal
Fall 2025

Nanaimo Harbour & Descanso Bay (Gabriola route)
 Fall 2025–Spring 2026

Salt Spring Island ↔ Vancouver Island: Crofton & Vesuvius Terminals
Mid-2026-early 2027

Quadra & Cortes Islands: Heriot Bay & Whaletown Terminals
Fall 2025-early 2026

There is also upcoming work expected at Chemainus, Thetis, Penelakut, Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay terminals. 

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 will receive a 13.4 per cent increase, compared to 18 to 19 per cent for comparator groups and 24.6 per cent average wage growth across B.C. That’s a real wage loss. It doesn’t reflect the essential work our members do.

The union has filed an appeal.

Read the full article in The Tyee

An ocean of opportunities for women: celebrating women in maritime

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 🌊

International Workers’ Day: May 1

On May 1, we mark International Workers’ Day—a time to honour the struggles, wins and sacrifices of working people around the world.

For generations, workers have organized, marched and fought for the rights many of us rely on today: fair wages, safe conditions, weekends, pensions and the right to a union.

At BCFMWU, we stand in that tradition. Every fight we take on—whether it’s for safety, equity, funding, or dignity on the job—is part of that larger movement for justice.

We’re proud to carry that legacy forward. Solidarity forever.

Northern Operations

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

 

Crisis Lines

Northern BC Crisis Line: 1.888.562.1214
https://crisis-centre.ca/

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

24 Hour Helpline for Men & Women: 250.627.8588

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

 

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Northern Vancouver Island Mental Health and Substance Use
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/access-referrals-mental-health-substance-use-services/referrals-mount-waddington-mental-health-substance-use
Port Hardy – 250.902.6051
Port McNeil – 250.956.4461

Prince Rupert Adult Mental Health and Addictions – 250.622.6310
https://www.princerupert.ca/index-pages/directory-listings/mental-health-addictions-services-program

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

Stopping the Violence Counselling Program
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/criminal-justice/bc-criminal-justice-system/if-victim/victim-of-crime/staying-safe/stv-directory.pdf

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Friendship House Association – 250.627.1717
https://friendshiphouse.ca/
The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert is an inclusive organization that exists to provide programs and services to the community at large, with an emphasis on the needs of the First Nations People in the areas of education, culture, health and recreation.

Other Offerings:
Aama Goot Aboriginal Women’s Wellness – 250.627.1717 ext. 28
Mental Health Outreach Worker – 250.627.1717 ext. 30

North Coast Transition Society – 250.627.8959
24 Hour Confidential Help Line: 250.627.8588
https://www.ncts.ca/
Sexual Abuse Intervention Program, Stopping the Violence Counseling Program, Supportive Recovery Program

Sacred Wolf Friendship Center – 250.902.0552
https://www.sacredwolf.ca/
Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre, a non-profit organization emphasizing the philosophies and values of varied aboriginal cultures and traditions provides programs in health, welfare, social services, human rights, culture, education, recreation and equality for all genders of aboriginal people of all age groups.

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/