The union representing workers at B.C. Ferries has ratified a five-year contract.
The agreement between the company and the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union, reached on Oct. 22, calls for no wage increases the first year, 2% increases in the second and third years and “wage re-openers” for years four and five.
“The agreement negotiated between the parties has been accepted by our membership,” union president Graeme Johnston said in a statement. “Our Union acknowledges we are in difficult times, and we are hopeful our commitment to helping the ferry system weather these difficult times will be recognized in better times come the wage reopeners.”
About 4,000 employees are covered by the collective agreement, which marks 22 years of labour stability at B.C. Ferries, said Mark Collins, the corporation’s president and CEO.
Collins said in a statement that the agreement provides for “fair and modest” wage and benefit increases. He thanked the B.C. Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union for a “collaborative and professional process.”
“The company extends its thanks to employees for their commitment to helping the ferry system weather these difficult times,” he said.
