The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has applied to extend the job action currently impacting sailings on the Kootenay Lake Ferry to include the ferries at Harrop and Glade.
A hearing between the BCGEU and the BC Labour Relations Board began Monday to discuss the level of essential services needed to maintain effective job action on the ferries.
Ferry operator Western Pacific Marine sent a letter to residents last week advising them that the BCGEU has applied to amend the essential services order to include the Harrop and Glade ferries. The amendment would reduce sailings to three times a day and only permit on-demand sailings for emergencies.
A statement from the BCGEU says the latest move aims to “bring an end to the job action quickly through the support and pressure from the communities it serves.”
“Our members want to get back to work but can only do that if Western Pacific Marine (WPM) negotiates a fair agreement that keeps training and jobs in our community.
“Members will ensure that essential services are maintained at a level necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents during job action, as determined by the Labour Relations Board.”
The BCGEU says its bargaining committee has been reviewing updated financial information from WPM to try to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.
The Labour Relations Board hearing started Monday, December 16, and will hear from both the BCGEU and WPM.
Updates to come.
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