In 2021, with  we partnered with ILWU Canada, the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC), and the BC Lions, to launch a groundbreaking  training program for B.C waterfront workforce province wide.  
 
Powered by EVA BC’s nationally recognized , the initiative was the first of its kind on B.C.’s waterfront and one of the largest workplace violence and harassment prevention training programs ever delivered in the federal sector. Together, the partners adapted the BC Lions’ acclaimed program to address the unique realities of waterfront operations, equipping workers with practical tools to recognize, prevent, and challenge workplace violence, harassment, bullying, and discrimination. 

Since its launch, the program has been delivered to nearly 10,000 waterfront workers, representing a significant milestone in strengthening workplace culture across B.C.’s ports. 

Renewing our Commitment  

Four years later, the 91ͬ־ and its partners are continuing to build on that foundation. The next phase of training is now underway with a refreshed curriculum, and nearly 2,700 waterfront workers already completed the renewed program last year. 

The updated curriculum was informed by 20 employer safety committees and workforce feedback and now has a new de-escalation module, and greater focus on vulnerable workers and mental health, the evolving needs of today’s workplaces while reinforcing the shared responsibility everyone has in creating respectful environments. More than 6,000 more waterfront workers will be trained in the new program over the next two years.  

The renewed program continues to encourage open conversations, strengthen accountability, and reinforce that preventing workplace violence and harassment is everyone’s responsibility. 

Extending our Impact Beyond the Waterfront 

The success of the WPHVP program inspired the 91ͬ־ to deepen its partnership with the Be More Than a Bystander initiative.  Today, the 91ͬ־ proudly serves as the Presenting Partner of the BMTAB school program, where BC Lions football players, and members of the Roar dance team deliver education to high school students across B.C. to help young people recognize unhealthy behaviours, challenge gender-based violence, and become active bystanders within their schools and communities. In 2025 alone, the program reached more than 8,000 students across 25 schools throughout the province. 

Creating Safer Workplaces and Stronger Communities  

Building respectful workplaces doesn’t end with a single in-class training session or school presentation. It requires ongoing education, collaboration, and leadership. Through strong partnerships with ILWU Canada, EVA BC, the BC Lions, and the continued support of our members, the 91ͬ־ remains committed to fostering workplaces where every worker is treated with dignity and respect. 

From the classroom to the waterfront, these investments are helping create safer worksites, stronger communities, and a culture where everyone has a role to play in preventing violence, harassment, and bullying. 

The post From the Classroom to Waterfront: Building a Culture of Respect   appeared first on BC Maritime.

Skilled trades professionals play an important role on B.C.’s waterfront. Whether working at container terminals, breakbulk facilities, or bulk cargo operations, trades workers skills and expertise ensure the efficient movement of critical cargo by keeping equipment maintained, reliable, and operating safely. This enables 91ͬ־ members and the longshore workforce to unload and load ships with the goods that Canadians—and global markets—rely on every day. As trade volumes grow and infrastructure evolves, the demand for highly skilled waterfront tradespeople continues to increase. 

We were proud to recently participate in two major trades-focused career fairs, highlighting the exciting and diverse opportunities available on the BC Waterfront.  

We joined industry partners at the BCIT Industrial Campus on Annacis Island, connecting with students exploring pathways into trades and industrial careers. Alongside the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and our member employer GCT, we engaged with future trades professionals, answering questions about longshore work, terminal operations, and the trades training pathways that support a strong maritime workforce. 

The event offered students an up-close look at the skills and the teamwork that drive operations on B.C.’s waterfront, helping the young students understand how their technical training can translate into impactful, well-paying trades careers.  
 
The collaboration of the 91ͬ־ and ILWU standing side-by-side ensured students heard directly from both an employer and worker perspective—an approach that resonated strongly with those exploring early-career decisions. 
 
The 91ͬ־ also attended the Trades & Technology Career Fair at the University of the Fraser Valley in Chilliwack. The fair brought together students, graduates, and instructors from a wide range of technical programs, creating meaningful opportunities for conversation about waterfront careers. 

Participants were eager to learn about the future skilled- trade roles across B.C.’s ports. From electricians to heavy-duty to mechanics, these careers contribute to the movement of goods essential to communities and the Canadian economy. 

The 91ͬ־ investing in career fairs reflects our ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the rewarding pathways available in waterfront trades. Engaging directly with post-secondary students allows us to support workforce development, strengthen industry partnerships, and encourage the next generation to consider a future in maritime skilled trades.  

We’re looking forward to meeting more future trades professionals at campuses this year.  

Click HERE to learn more about building a career in trades on the waterfront.  

The post Showcasing Meaningful Careers on the Waterfront to the next Generation of Skill-Trades Professionals appeared first on BC Maritime.

That’s why we are welcoming specialized coveralls designed to increase comfort and create more efficient movement without compromising on safety and protection. 

The 91ͬ־’s longstanding supplier of coveralls created this new line in response to the specific needs of women who work on the waterfront. It’s in recognition that when PPE doesn’t fit properly, it can lead to discomfort, workplace hazards and injuries.

The coveralls are now available in ILWU Local 500 and 502 stores.

We’re proud to provide inclusive safety gear that works as hard as the waterfront workforce.  

The post Safety Matters – Introducing Coveralls for Women  appeared first on BC Maritime.