Bulletin #12
March 18, 2021
AstraZeneca Vaccine Distribution
Prior to today’s public announcement, Government informed us that Ferry Workers will not be included in the first release of extra COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca), and that this was a decision of the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Henry.
On this call we were also told other transportation workers will not be included (e.g. BC Transit, Translink, Inland Ferries, etc.) at this time.
Our Union President Graeme Johnston has expressed his deep disappointment to the Provincial Government, stating it seems wrong that our members’ diligence and efforts to minimize COVID-19 outbreaks would be used to support delaying our vaccine priority relative to other businesses and sectors that are receiving vaccination supplies because of their seemingly poorer OH&S performance.
Meanwhile, Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation, has personally reached out to start a dialogue with our Union, and has committed to fight for Ferry Workers and other transportation workers as a priority for COVID-19 vaccines.
Please know our Union is reaching out to the Legislature and the Provincial Health Officer to demand Ferry Workers are considered a priority. We are also exploring public facing campaigns to draw attention to this wrong decision and put public pressure on a more just outcome for Ferry Workers.
In Solidarity,
Jack Bruckman,
Executive Director
To view as a pdf: Bulletin #12 AstraZeneca Vaccine Distribution