Bargaining Update #7
Union Bargaining Update
The following update is provided for the information of BCFMWU members only. Please do not post on bulletin boards or share on social media.
Over the past weeks, the spokespersons of both our Union’s Central Negotiating Committee and BC Ferries’ Negotiating Committee met to discuss potential paths forward and the monetary valuation of the most recent proposals by each party prior to reaching an impasse. The Union committee chair also took time to meet with stakeholders and experts to continue preparations for what looks like a path to the Dispute Resolution Panel in Article 35.02 of the Collective Agreement for both the General and Special Wage reopener process with hearing dates secured at the end of October 2023. While still hopeful that a negotiated agreement could be ratified by the membership, we are not there yet.
We, the Union, know our value and the value of our members’ positions compared to our peers in the marine sector and adjacent industry and will not be bargaining against ourselves to meet the employer’s current best and final valuation. As a committee, we agreed by way of a majority vote, that the best and final proposal by BCFS would not be ratified if sent for the multistage ratification process the BCFMWU has within our constitution. That position has not changed as the employer’s proposal has not changed.
As the situation develops updates will be provided directly to the membership via email and at www.bcfmwu.com in the members area.
On behalf of your Central Negotiating Committee,
Strength in numbers and stronger together
Eric McNeely
Provincial President & Committee Chair
BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union
DO NOT post on social media or bulletin boards.
BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union
1511 Stewart Avenue
Nanaimo, BC V9S 4E3
Union Office Telephone: 1.800.663.7009 or 250.716.3454
Mail: mailroom@bcfmwu.com Fax: 250.716.3455
