“It didn’t happen by management”

BC Ferries’ board chair said the quiet part out loud at the BC Ferry Authority annual general meeting last week: improved service “didn’t happen by management” or the board.

The chair acknowledged that workers are responsible for improved on-time performance, fewer cancellations and moving more passengers. Workers delivered, as we always do.

The admission came in response to questions raised by BCFMWU President Eric McNeely during a public Q+A session.  McNeely asked if the board is concerned about retention, attrition and possible service disruptions as the relationship between the union and BC Ferries reaches a low point. He pressed the board on what it will do to retain the skilled workers who keep the ferries moving, and whether it will support an independent review of workplace culture as morale deteriorates and members continue to raise concerns about bullying and harassment.

Members have been without a collective agreement for almost a year. A better relationship with workers takes more than compliments at an AGM. It takes respect, a fair agreement and real action on the conditions our members face every day.

Your union will keep bringing members’ questions to the board. Workers have done our part. It’s time for BC Ferries to do theirs.