Bulletin #2
January 21, 2022
UPDATE ON THE BC FERRIES
COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATE POLICY
What will happen if I choose not to be vaccinated?
Ship-based employees and employees boarding vessels who are partially vaccinated (have one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine) will be able to work until January 24, 2022, provided they attest their vaccination status and complete regular COVID-19 testing. On January 24, 2022, employees who are not fully vaccinated and do not have an exemption will be placed on leave without pay.
The remainder of BC Ferries employees who are not fully vaccinated by February 28, 2022, will be placed on leave without pay.
Information about LWOP as a result of noncompliance with BC Ferries policy
First 60 days
Leave with out pay Employees shall be placed on LWOP with their status reviewed within sixty (60) days, or earlier if they advise the Company they are in compliance with the policy. Employees who are on a LWOP will have their health and welfare benefits and seniority maintained for a period of 60 days
Beyond 60 days
Review employee status. Following the 60-day period, employees will have the option of maintaining their health and welfare benefits at their own cost. An employee’s service, group and recall seniority will be adjusted for the periods of leave of 60 days or more.
On the Union side of the equation
The group grievance expedited arbitration is proceeding, and an arbiter has been selected to hear the LWOP status arguments. The Union expects the LWOP group grievance case to be heard before the beginning of March. The policy grievance has been advanced to arbitration as well, however, we anticipate a longer time frame until the policy grievance arbitration date is confirmed. Local Presidents continue to seek information regarding who is on a LWOP to file individual grievances at Step 2 in addition to the group grievance as it relates to employment status.
To view as a pdf: Bulletin #2 Update on BC Ferries Covid19 Vaccine Mandate Policy