MEDIA RELEASE | Hullo files for mediation instead of meeting union at the table

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For immediate release
September 5, 2025

NANAIMO — Hullo Ferries’ management is stalling instead of bargaining after the company filed for mediation in response to the union’s conditions for resuming talks.

“Last week the employer declared impasse after tabling a single ‘take it or leave it’ proposal. Since then, they’ve backpedaled on declaring an impasse and now filed for mediation,” said BCFMWU President Eric McNeely.

The union says Hullo’s strategy is clear: avoid meaningful talks until after the busy travel season.

“Our members show up every day, navigating vessels, helping passengers, responding to emergencies, keeping the ships that customers rely on in good repair. Hullo treats them like they’re disposable. That’s unacceptable.”

“If Hullo really cared about reliability for passengers, they’d treat the workers who keep them moving with respect,” said McNeely. “When workers are underpaid and disrespected, they’re asking workers to subsidize the service. That’s not sustainable over the long term.”

“Our members gave us a 91 per cent strike mandate because they want a fair first contract,” McNeely said. “We are ready to bargain directly, any time.”

BCFMWU will keep members updated on next steps as the mediation process unfolds.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Rachel Garrick | Communications Officer | BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union
| 604-561-3703 | rachelgarrick@bcfmwu.com

The BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union represents more than 4,500 ferry and marine workers across British Columbia. From deckhands and terminal workers to engineers and stewards, we keep the coast moving.

 

MEDIA RELEASE | Hullo ferry workers vote ninety-one per cent in favour of job action

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NANAIMO — Ninety-one per cent of Hullo Ferry workers have voted in favour of job action following the employer’s refusal to bargain fairly for a first collective agreement.

“This result shows just how united Hullo workers are,” said Eric McNeely, president of the BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU). “They know their worth and they’re ready to fight for it.”

The strike vote comes after the employer declared an impasse immediately after the union tabled a counter-proposal last week. Hullo workers have been waiting for nearly a year for a contract, seeking fair wages, predictable schedules and job security.

“Our members want to keep serving passengers under conditions that respect the skill and training their jobs demand,” said McNeely. “Ferry travel requires moving people safely through terminals, navigating busy shipping lanes, safety drills, emergency response and ship maintenance to ensure hundreds of people get across the strait safely every day. That professionalism deserves respect in their first agreement.”

The union has scheduled a meeting for the bargaining unit’s nearly 80 members on Wednesday night to discuss the results and next steps. McNeely emphasized the union remains open to negotiation.

“Workers keep this service running safely every day. They want to keep doing that,” said McNeely. “We hope the employer will come back to the table and bargain fairly.”

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MEDIA CONTACT Rachel Garrick | Communications Officer | BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union | 604-561-3703 | rachelgarrick@bcfmwu.com
The BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union represents more than 4,500 ferry and marine workers across British Columbia. From deckhands and terminal workers to engineers

MEDIA RELEASE | Hullo Ferries declares bargaining impasse, forcing workers to take strike vote

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For immediate release August 29, 2025

NANAIMO — Hullo Ferries has declared an impasse in bargaining, forcing the union to take a strike vote.

“We don’t want to disrupt service, but our members can’t wait forever,” said Eric McNeely, president of the BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union. “Our members would rather be serving passengers than preparing job action. But after nearly a year of waiting for an agreement, they’ve been left with no choice.”

In nearly a year without a contract, and despite tabling a fair wage and benefits proposal months ago, the employer has made only one counter proposal. Instead of bargaining seriously, the company has now declared impasse, refusing to move forward unless workers accept its terms.

“Declaring impasse after so little movement is a sign the employer isn’t serious about reaching a fair deal,” said McNeely. “Our members keep passengers moving every day. They deserve respect and a fair contract.”

“Hullo Ferry workers want stability for themselves and the travelling public. The solution is simple: the employer needs to come back to the table and bargain in good faith.”

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MEDIA CONTACT Rachel Garrick | Communications Officer | BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union | 604-561-3703 | rachelgarrick@bcfmwu.com

BCFMWU is the largest maritime union in Canada, representing more than 4500 members

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