As BC Ferries prepares for one of its busiest weekends of the year, a troubling new survey reveals growing concerns among ferry workers over passenger abuse.
According to the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union, over 80 percent of surveyed crew members say they’ve been threatened with violence while on duty. An overwhelming 92 percent have witnessed violent or aggressive incidents, and nearly two-thirds say it’s had a serious impact on their mental health. Almost half admitted they’ve considered quitting because of it.
The union says these incidents range from verbal threats to physical intimidation — and in some cases, spitting. While most workers understand how to report such incidents, only one in four believe BC Ferries actually takes those reports seriously.
Union leadership is calling for stronger enforcement of safety policies and consequences for abusive passengers, especially during high-traffic periods like Thanksgiving.
With heavy traffic expected at terminals across the province this weekend, the union is urging the public to show patience and kindness. Ferry crews work in all weather conditions to keep the system running, and workers deserve to do their jobs without fear or harassment.
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