Workforce Culture
Building a safe and inclusive waterfront
DRIVING CULTURE CHANGE Across The Waterfront
The BCMEA is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, where the maritime workforce is supported to reach their highest potential. We believe that keeping employees engaged and feeling empowered is critical to retaining and attracting diverse talent to the waterfront. Whether it be through the development of a comprehensive Accessibility Plan, implementation of the largest violence and harassment prevention training for B.C.’s waterfront, or the launch of dedicated DEI initiatives for the industry, the BCMEA strives to do our part to ensure an inclusive, supportive and respectful workplace for all employees.
-
In 2021, the BCMEA received $3.9 M from the federal government to launch a groundbreaking violence and harassment prevention training program for B.C.’s waterfront workforce. Delivered in partnership with ILWU Canada, Ending Violence Association of BC and the BC Lions, it is one of the most comprehensive workplace violence and harassment prevention training programs ever undertaken in the federal sector. Powered by the renowned Be More Than a Bystander Program (BMTAB), the program provides training and education in support of safer, more respectful workplaces for all.<br /> Building on the successful delivery of this program, the BCMEA became a Presenting Partner of the BMTAB program, ensuring students across B.C. continue to learn how to break the silence on gender-based violence. From the waterfront to the classroom, the BCMEA and its members are committed to supporting safe spaces, free from harassment and bullying.
-
The BCMEA is committed to providing a barrier-free accessible environment to BCMEA employees and the waterfront workforce. Our Accessibility Plan outlines priority areas and our accessibility commitments to further our efforts in making the BCMEA a more inclusive workplace.
-
The BCMEA supported the development of the Waterfront DEI Council, composed of industry leaders committed to fostering a safe and inclusive industry by identifying opportunities for improvement and developing actionable programs & initiatives.
Waterfront DEI Council
The BCMEA is proud to have played a critical role in establishing the Waterfront DEI Council, a committee of waterfront employers who are committed to making strategic DEI advancements to support the growth of their employees and the waterfront workforce. The Council aims to assess opportunities for change, implement accessible programs and initiatives in the waterfront community, and transparently measure and communicate progress in moving towards industry DEI goals over time. The Council believes that in order to truly understand barriers community members face, we must first understand their experiences in the workplace – and together, we can work towards meaningful solutions. This effort is vital for creating a supportive environment where all employees are valued and can thrive.
The Waterfront DEI Council is crucial in fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment, improving workforce representation, and reflecting the values of diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector.
Ensuring a Safe and Respectful Workplace
Be More Than A Bystander
In 2021, with the support of the federal government, the BCMEA in partnership with ILWU Canada, Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) and BC Lions launched a first-of-its-kind violence and harassment prevention training program for B.C. ‘s waterfront. Powered by EVA BC’s renowned Be More Than a Bystander program (BMTAB), the program draws from decades of research and frontline expertise to provide a groundbreaking, culture shifting approach to creating safe, respectful workplaces and communities. The BCMEA and its partners co-developed the comprehensive training program, bringing employers, unions and anti-violence experts together to provide training and education in support of safer, more respectful workplaces for everyone. This includes an emphasis on supporting populations most at risk of experiencing workplace harassment and violence, including LGBTQ2+ and Indigenous communities. In integrating violence prevention with a DEI-lens, the training not only creates safer workplaces, but also fosters an inclusive environment where all employees feel respected and secure.
Be More Than a Bystander