DRP Decision Union Commentary
DISPUTE RESOLUTION PANEL DECISION UNION COMMENTARY
By now, most if not all of you have seen summaries of the increases awarded by the Dispute Resolution Panel which is available to all members on the Union Webpage.
It is important to understand how we got to this point.
Ferry Workers know that our wages have fallen way behind what we are worth especially when compared to other employers in the marine industry. Since April 1, 2020 we have seen 0%, 2% and 2% increases.
This recent increase was not the result of bargaining with the employer but the decision of a panel of arbitrators determining what you deserve.
That process is inherently unfair as it places all the power in the hands of others.
Their process involves receiving submissions and the arguments of the parties. For example, the employer argued for a gradual approach to increasing wages. On the other hand, the Union explained that our wage rates haven’t progressed much since 2003. Low wages means people leave BC Ferries, don’t want a job there and puts the membership in the category of “barely making ends meet”.
We argued strenuously that we couldn’t wait any longer to earn a living wage. We needed major increases now! Thats why we asked for a $5.00 an hour across the board general wage increase. As you know, we also argued for special increases for many classifications ranging from 3-13% in addition to the $5.00 an hour general increase.
The end result is positive in some respects. Most of our members will receive significant increases but don’t forget, we have been so poorly paid that even these increases fall short of what we need to lead a good life and attract new employees to BC Ferries.
Looking forward to 2025 with another wage increase in April and a few months later full collective agreement bargaining, we need to work hard to put ourselves in the best possible bargaining position. We want to use all the tools at our disposal including the right to strike.
We do not want to put our future in the hands of a panel of arbitrators.
Getting there will require all our strength and unity to show BC Ferries how determined we are to achieve the best possible result for our membership.
