B.C. Ferries will see a wave of workers quitting unless it reopens its collective agreement to increase wages as prices rise, says the president of the union representing employees.

At a meeting in Vancouver last week, members were “loud and clear” that they need an increase in wages, said Eric McNeely, president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers Union.

“They are working massive amounts of overtime just to subsidize their income because the wages are too low. It’s not sustainable.”

Pay for some unionized ferry workers is falling behind what they could be earning in other marine-oriented businesses, or from employers outside the marine sector who hire staff with similar skills, he said.

It can be 20 to 40 per cent below other employers, said McNeely. He said he travelled around the fleet to meet with members on board vessels and working on land to discuss wage comparisons.

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The departure comes as the ferry system posts frequent sailing-cancellation notices due to crew shortages.

B.C. Ferry Services announced Friday it has ended its contract with Mark Collins, who has served since April 2017 as ­president and chief executive of the company, which operates as B.C. Ferries.

Collins, whose contract had been due to run until 2026, is leaving B.C. Ferries “effective immediately,” a statement from the board said. His departure comes as the system posts frequent sailing-cancellation notices due to crew shortages.

The B.C. Ferry Services board of directors decided to end Collins’ contract, which will entitle him to severance in accordance with the terms of his contract, it said. The amount has not yet been finalized.

“We thank Mr. Collins for his hard work and dedication to B.C. Ferries. We wish him well in all future endeavours,” said board chair Joy MacPhail in a statement. “Like many organizations, B.C. Ferries has faced recent staffing shortages, service interruptions and COVID-related challenges,” she said. “There are no quick fixes to these systemic challenges, but as a board, we believe it is time for renewal, fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to the highest standards of customer service, safety and affordability.”

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BCFMWU Provincial Executive and President Graeme Johnston will pay tribute to Brother, Kulwant (Kenny) Chohan who died tragically while at work last year.

National Day of Mourning honours all workers tragically killed, injured, or made ill by their work. This year’s National Day of Mourning weighs heavy on our hearts in honour of Kenny and his loved ones.

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