UPDATE: BCGEU to initiate strike action against Western Pacific Marine ferries Thursday

Updated story, October 10, 12:30 p.m.: 

The BC General Employees Union has confirmed that there will be no job action Thursday on any Western Pacific Marine Ferries.

Original story, October 9: 

After a significant day of bargaining, the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has announced that its members will engage in legal strike action against West Kootenay ferry operator Western Pacific Marine today, Thursday, at 2:10 p.m.

After a significant day of bargaining, the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has announced that its members will engage in legal strike action against West Kootenay ferry operator Western Pacific Marine on Thursday at 2:10 p.m.

The BCGEU represents 80 employees at Western Pacific Marine, which operates the Kootenay Lake Ferry and two cable ferries at Harrop and Glade.

The strike action comes two days after the union served the employer with a second 72-hour strike notice on Monday, October 7.

Essential service negotiations were held throughout the day on Wednesday to try to agree on the level of essential service, which BCGEU spokesperson Susan Howatt said was unsuccessful.

“Today, our union met with Western Pacific Marine for a significant day of bargaining. Unfortunately, negotiations did not achieve an agreement. The Labour Board has already issued the essential services order, which means that job action can take place on the Kootenay Lake Ferry route.”

As a result, BCGEU members will be in a legal strike position as of 2:10 p.m. on Thursday.

Negotiations are scheduled to return to the bargaining table on October 21, with Howatt stating that the union is working towards a “strong agreement that values the work members do, with a compensation package that is competitive.”

The BCGEU is also currently engaged in job action against WaterBridge Ferries, which operates ferries on the Arrow Lakes.


Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNow News Alerts.

Storrm Lennie
Storrm Lennie
Storrm began her journalism career in the Kootenays, joining Vista Radio in 2022. Originally from Red Deer, Alta., she now calls Nelson home and brings her passion for politics and community to her reporting.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

RCMP seeking public assistance to find missing woman

Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating 52-year-old Jodi Lynn Perry, who was last seen in Airdrie on Wednesday, however, believed to be in the Salmo area.

Tom Wayman book launches in Nelson and Nakusp

West Kootenay author Tom Wayman will launch his newest collection of poems, Out of the Ordinary, in Nelson and Nakusp later this month.

Creston Valley Chamber slams Baker Street market move

The Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director is calling the City of Nelson’s decision to move the Wednesday Farmers’ Market “insulting.” 

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

BCGEU pushes for inland ferry regulation reform

The BC General Employees Union is calling on the province to take a stronger role in regulating inland ferry services, following a bitter five-month labour dispute that severely impacted Kootenay Lake communities. 
- Advertisement -