Union grieves B.C. Ferries' prohibition on beards

The union representing B.C. Ferries workers has filed a grievance against a rule that workers be clean-shaven, saying it's affecting union members who are Sikh men.

The requirement is related to the need to provide a facial seal for masks and respirators in case of a fire.

“Fundamentally our concern is that there's a discrimination for a worker based on their religious faith,” said Eric McNeely, president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers' Union. “They are not being allowed to work because of a core tenet of their faith, which is to not be clean-shaven.”

One staff member who showed up at work unshaven was told by B.C. Ferries he was unfit to work and sent home. He was offered a night shift, when ferries are tied up, or another position that would have meant relocating, said Dan Kimmerly, ships' officers' component president with the union.

McNeely said that is not a solution that would provide meaningful work for an employee.

The union's position is that there are safe options for unshaven members to use certain types of masks, hoods and respirators.

This issue arises as B.C. Ferries is trying to improve its relationship with employees and attract new workers at a time of global competition for skilled mariners.

McNeely said he had a beard when he worked in the Arctic and was part of a team responding to fires. “I wore a mask. It was a non-issue. B.C. Ferries is a bit unique to me.”