New government, same priorities for ferry workers

Congratulations to Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson and the incoming B.C. Conservative government.

A change in government brings questions about what comes next.

Some members will welcome the election result; others will feel disappointed or uncertain. Whatever your vote, your union’s job is the same: protect your rights, stand up for your livelihood and make sure ferry workers have a voice in decisions that affect us.

We’re ready to work with the new government to make sure your priorities are met.

The Conservatives have signaled that economic growth is a priority. Ferry workers have a strong case to bring to that conversation.

Our ferry system carries 23 million plus passengers, 10 million vehicles and $8 billion in cargo each year. Behind those numbers are businesses getting deliveries, workers reaching jobs, visitors supporting local economies and communities staying connected.

Delivering that service safely and reliably depends on skilled workers. Competitive wages, safe workplaces and better access to training for ferry and marine workers are investments in B.C.’s economy.

Recruiting and keeping experienced ferry workers will need to be part of any credible plan to deliver improved system reliability and delivering better service starts with understanding what our members need to deliver it.

We’ll press the new government to listen to members’ experience and respect our collective bargaining rights.

We also expect the incoming government to carry forward David Eby’s commitment to build the next generation of ferries in B.C. The economic case is strong. Research released through the Build Them Here campaign estimated that building four major ferries in Canada could generate $1.5 billion in GDP, including about $1.3 billion in B.C., and support more than 10,000 person-years of employment.

During the election, the Conservatives promised to seek federal ferry funding comparable with Atlantic Canada. We share that goal and we hope the new government will succeed in pressing Ottawa to step up and improve affordability for ferry users in British Columbia.

Your work matters to this province every day. We’ll bring that message to our new premier and his ministers. The government is changing. Our commitment to you isn’t.