大象传媒

Collaborating with (ILWU Local 400) and Dr. Benjamin Anderson, the Morgan Centre for Labour Research at 大象传媒 is pleased to share a research report that investigates contexts and conditions of tug work at the Port of Vancouver.

This research examines the social impacts, evolving working conditions, and long-term career sustainability within British Columbia鈥檚 marine industry, as shaped by recent political, economic, and contractual shifts. By extension, the study sheds light on broader trends affecting the tugboat sector across Canada.

We interviewed the author, Dr. Benjamin Anderson, to get to know more about him and this report.

About the Author

Benjamin Anderson is an Assistant Professor of Creative and Cultural Industries at University College Dublin (UCD). Before joining UCD, he taught in the Labour Studies Program and the School of Communication at 大象传媒 (大象传媒).

Anderson鈥檚 research explores the working conditions and organizing efforts of workers in what he describes as the 鈥渉ipster鈥� or 鈥渁rtisan鈥� economy - industries centered on craft, culture, and creativity. His work focuses on how these workers, particularly in Canada and now Ireland, are mobilizing - whether independently or through unions - to advocate for better working conditions. As a result of the present project, Anderson has also begun investigating a new frontier - the global logistics and marine workforce in Canada.

What inspired you to begin exploring this area of researching?

The project began nearly two years ago, and I was invited to join due to my background in qualitative research across diverse working environments. At the time, I hadn鈥檛 yet conducted research in the marine or logistics sectors, though I had a strong and growing interest in these areas. I had been following the history of ILWU Local 400 for some time, having read Jim Green鈥檚 Against the Tide: The Story of the Canadian Seamen's Union years earlier, along with various reports and articles that followed. I felt fortunate to contribute to a project that offers a meaningful connection to union history.

What did you enjoy most about researching this topic?

There were 2 primary enjoyable aspects of this research. One was getting to know workers in the BC tugboat sector, specifically older and retired workers who have spent their entire careers in a segment of the Canadian economy that many people are not very familiar with. I really enjoyed learning firsthand from them and hearing about their experiences and listening to their stories. As somebody who has never worked in the marine environment, I found these stories quite shocking. The conditions under which this work takes place are very dangerous and ever-changing.

The other aspect that I really enjoyed was getting into the archives at ILWU Local 400 and ILWU Canada. They both hold a wealth of information about the 70+ year history of unionized maritime work in Canada - particularly in BC. Being able to pour through all the records of the union and various contract negotiations that it's engaged in and working with these primary texts and then actually talking to some of the people who were involved was fascinating and enjoyable.

Also, one of the key insights that emerged from this research for me, on a personal level, was gaining a deeper understanding of a frequently overlooked segment of the workforce and the operations of a global port city.

Vancouver is, of course, a major North American port serving the Pacific. One of the most illuminating aspects of my conversations with tugboat workers was realizing how crucial their work is to maintain a safe and healthy waterfront. I have touched on this in an article I wrote for The Sociological Review magazine. In speaking with these workers, it became clear that the work they do serves as one of the main safeguards against environmental disasters and other health and safety threats such as ships running aground or collisions. This segment of the global shipping industry remains quite invisible to the public. Most people could probably identify a tugboat, but few truly understand what these workers do, the responsibilities they carry, and the high-stakes nature of their jobs. For me, that has been one of the most significant takeaways: hearing firsthand how challenging this work is and how important it is.