‘Be kind’: Vast majority of BC Ferries workers report being threatened on the job

A survey conducted by the union that represents BC Ferries workers found 80 per cent report being threatened with violence.

As the Thanksgiving long weekend gets underway, the union representing BC Ferries workers is reminding travellers to be patient and kind when interacting with ferry staff.

A recent survey by the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union found 80 per cent of members who responded said they’ve been threatened with violence on the job. More than nine in 10 (92 per cent) have witnessed such threats, and nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) say the incidents have affected their mental health.

“Behind every sailing is a crew doing their best to get British Columbians where they need to go,” said Eric McNeely, the union’s president, in a news release Friday.

“They shouldn’t have to fear being screamed at, spat on or threatened in the process.”

More serious incidents have included passengers driving vehicles toward staff, biting and kicking, the union said.

Nearly half of survey respondents said violence or threats have made them consider quitting, according to the union.

Only one-in-four respondents said they believe BC Ferries takes incidents seriously when they are reported, which the union touted as a sign stronger enforcement of safety policies is needed.

“We need BC Ferries to back up our crews,” said McNeely. “It’s easy. If you threaten a worker, you don’t sail.”

In an interview with CTV News Vancouver Island Friday, McNeely’s message to travellers was simple.

“Just, frankly, be kind,” he said. ”Be nice to people you see. And remember the people that you see in uniform, they’re not the ones setting the price, the reservation rates or the sailing times. They’re doing the best they can to move as many people as possible to whatever event they have this weekend.”