MISSION STATEMENT

This Union is founded trusting the inherent right of the worker to join together in expressing a collective will to secure economic, political and social justice, equity and freedom, within our communities and nation.

Our members pledge to uphold the highest professional standards in the operation and maintenance of our ferry system and remain committed to ongoing safety management.

A Brief History

In 1958, ferry service between the mainland and Vancouver Island terminals was provided by two lines: Canadian Pacific Steamships (“CPSS”) and Black Ball Ferries Limited. 1958 was a bleak year for the ferry workers on both fleets. The Collective Agreement with the CPSS had expired in September 1957.On May 17, 1958, CPSS employees went on strike. However, their efforts to exert pressure were severely weakened as the Black Ball Ferries’ run continued. Ferry workers employed by Black Ball decided to strike in sympathy with their brothers and sisters and served 72-hour strike notice. It was seven months later, after numerous wildcat strikes, criminal charges, and the invoking of the Civil Defense Act by the Government that a collective agreement was finally entered into in January 1959.

Out of this legacy the Government, in 1960, established the BC Ferry System under the umbrella of the BC Highway and Bridges Toll Authority. Because of the establishment of the BC Ferry System, all ferry workers became Crown employees, appointed under the Public Service Act. As such, they were represented by the British Columbia Government Employees' Association (“BCGEA”), a predecessor to the British Columbia Government Employees' Union (“BCGEU”).

1968 saw management trigger a major work stoppage with the layoff of 160 workers. The strike was settled with a memorandum of understanding between the BC Ferries Division and the BCGEA to create a six-person panel to negotiate and agree on terms and conditions of employment. This marked the first recognition by the Government of the right of ferry workers to.... more --->