I’ve been with BC Ferries for 13 years now, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I like the people I work with, and that makes a big difference.

When I started, I was a cleaner. My goal from day one was to be a cashier. It took me six years of casual shifts, learning every job on the ship and building my seniority to get there. The day I finally got that cashier job, I thought, “I did it. I achieved my goal.” That was probably the happiest day of my career.

There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work passengers don’t see. We’ve got assembly points from Victoria to Prince Rupert and everyone’s connected somehow. If we run out of milk in qathet, another ferry sends it over. If another route needs something, we help them out. That kind of teamwork keeps the ferries and communities running.

Those first couple of years as a casual were the hardest. You’re figuring out the job, meeting new crew, adjusting to the shifts. But in a union job, you know if you put in the time, you’ll get your chance. You build time off, you get to know your crew, it gets easier.

Every summer we get new seasonal workers, and those first weeks can be tough for them. They’re still finding their routine, and there’s a lot to learn. I remember how overwhelming it can feel at the start, so I try to help them as much as I can. By the end of the summer, they’ve got it down and it feels good to know I helped them succeed.

I work on a smaller route and passengers tell me it’s their favourite boat. It takes 125 cars, and when people get on board, they feel like they’ve left the city behind. We’re out in the boonies, so you really get to know the people you work with and the regular passengers. It’s a tight crew and a tight community.

We’ve got a lot of long-timers here, but younger workers don’t tend to stay long because you can’t get sea time on this route. If they want to move up to chief officer or other positions, they have to go elsewhere. Some do just that, then end up coming back later in their careers.

I’m proud to be part of the crew that keeps our coast moving.

Shannon Walsh, Local 6 Shop Steward

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.