Bulletin #72
December 21, 2021
2021 HOLIDAY MESSAGE
On today, the shortest, darkest day of the year, and the very first day of winter it is an appropriate time to reflect on the year that is concluding and look to the year that begins anew very soon.
2021 has been another challenging year for everyone. Crew levels are down, attrition and retirements have increased while traffic within the ferry system fluctuates and runs on overtime wages. We can also look, with hope, to what must surely be inflection points in both the global pandemic and the management of BC Ferries.
There are signs that the value of the worker is being acknowledged globally at places like Loblaws, John Deere, and the farmer protests in India. Perhaps the frontline essential workers and support workers who have stood on the tarmac, ticket booths, deck plates, offices, warehouses, farmland and in the hospitals and schools, the ones who truly keep our province functioning will get the recognition and compensation they deserve. In the face of the great resignation, BC Ferries finds itself with a challenging employment environment and a single dedicated Union to raise awareness on the true value of the workers and cultural challenges ahead. Our membership is strong, dedicated, focused, and the reason the ferries operate with people and goods moving safely.
Whether you celebrate or recognise Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, Ramadan, Las Posadas, Zaratosht no-diso, or any other time of significance, or not, know that your Union is here to represent each and every member.
A special thanks to those working throughout the season.
To view as a pdf: Bulletin #72 2021 Holiday Message