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

 

 

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