What’s at stake for ferry workers this provincial election

Ferry workers keep coastal communities connected. The decisions made in Victoria affect our jobs, our families and the communities we serve. This election, ask your candidates what they’ll do about the issues that matter to you.

Our union is non-partisan. We don’t endorse political parties. Members make their own choices at the ballot box, as they should. But we encourage you to learn where candidates stand on issues that matter to ferry workers.

Training we can afford

A career at sea takes specialized skills. Whether you’re pursuing mariner certification or learning a trade, course fees, travel and living costs can make training expensive. Taking time away from paid work adds another barrier. Ask candidates how they’ll make marine and trades education more accessible and affordable and support people taking time away from work to upgrade their skills.

Wages and housing that work for workers

Ferry workers need housing we can afford near the terminals and communities where we work. Ask candidates how they’ll make housing more affordable in coastal communities. Workers shouldn’t have to move away from the communities that depend on them.

Ferries built here

Building ferries in B.C. helps keep the skills, parts and repair support we need close to home. That means less reliance on replacement parts shipped from overseas or specialist teams flown in from far away when something goes wrong. For ferry workers, local support can mean faster repairs and less disruption on the job. Ask candidates how they’ll support ferries built in B.C. and the local suppliers and skilled workers needed to keep them running.

Safety and rights on the job

Every worker deserves protection from violence, bullying and harassment. When we raise safety concerns, we need action. We also need collective bargaining rights that let us stand up for fair pay and working conditions. Ask candidates what they’ll do to strengthen workplace protections and workers’ rights.

Bring these issues to a candidate meeting, send an email or ask when they show up at your door. You don’t need to be a policy expert. You know what matters to you.

Your vote helps decide who makes decisions about your wages, housing, training and rights at work.

Make sure you make it count.

In solidarity,

Eric McNeely
Provincial president
BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union