Entries by Jarod Korchinski

January 2024

BCFMWU has been contacted by Seafarers’ International Union of Canada / Syndicat International des Marins Canadiens regarding a request by Intership AS for crew on board M/V Inter Viking and a request from Odjfell drilling for the Semi-Submersible – Hercules. BCFMWU has been notified that a Norwegian flagged vessel and a Semi-Submersible will be operating […]

Poisoned Waters: The War Between BC Ferries and Its Union

A four-letter expletive ended talks aimed at bringing peace between BC Ferries and its union — and better service for travellers. It was Nov. 28, and union leader Eric McNeely had just logged in to a video conference call with two company executives. The stakes were high. The company and the union had accused each […]

December 2023

BCFMWU has been contacted by Seafarers’ International Union of Canada / Syndicat International des Marins Canadiens regarding a request by Intership AS for crew on board M/V Inter Viking. BCFMWU has been notified that a Norwegian flagged vessel will be operating in Canadian waters on a temporary basis. BCFMWU is not affiliated with this company […]

BC Ferries’ wage fight with workers deepens as angry letter sent

The union representing B.C. Ferries’ workers has lodged a lengthy complaint to the B.C. Labour Relations Board, accusing the employer of a string of bad behaviour and asking for $2.1 million in damages. The 14-page letter of complaint comes as the two sides are engaged in tense negotiations to increase wages for the union’s 4,700 workers. According […]

“Stoking anger, fear, and frustration”: Union files Labour Relations Board complaint against BC Ferries

The union representing BC Ferries staff is seeking damages, after it alleges its employer “undermined the bargaining process” and created a hostile environment within the union. Eric McNeely, president of BC Ferries Marine Workers Union, says the union is seeking $2.1 million in damages. He says the union’s largest grievance is with how BC Ferries […]

BC Ferries’ Labour Relations at ‘All-Time Low’, Says Union

Low employee morale and a bitter dispute over overtime pay are adding to the challenges for BC Ferries, says the head of the union representing workers at the publicly owned company. “The relationship between the employer and the employees, and the employer and the union, is at… an all-time low,” said Eric McNeely, president of […]