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

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