Women’s work. Our marine history.

Photo of women working at Burrard Shipyard in 1943, via the Vancouver Archives.

This October, the BCFMWU Women’s Committee honours the history of women in B.C.’s marine  sector.

Indigenous and immigrant women sustained B.C.’s fishing and cannery industries. Their work fed families and supported coastal communities, often with little recognition.

During the Second World War, women took on shipyard jobs. At North Vancouver’s Burrard Dry Dock, they worked in electrical shops, winding armatures and assembling small motors to help meet wartime demand.

That history continues today. Women navigate and maintain vessels, serve passengers, work in terminals and catering, and represent their co-workers in our union.

In March 2024, women filled every crew position aboard the Island Discovery on the Powell River–Texada Island route, from master to engine room assistant. It was a first for BC Ferries and a moment worth celebrating.

Women are still under-represented in deck, engineering and trades roles. There’s more work to do to make training and advancement accessible and to support women building careers in these fields.

We want every woman to have access to training, a fair chance to advance and a workplace where she’s safe, respected and heard. That includes having a voice in her union and support when she speaks up.

This Women’s History Month, we thank the women who opened doors, the women supporting their co-workers today and those just starting out.

You belong here. Your work matters. And you don’t have to fight those battles alone.

In solidarity, 

BCFMWU Women’s Committee