The fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19, bad weather and the usual winter ailments forced B.C. Ferries to cancel eight sailings in the last two days, and the president of the union representing ferry workers says travellers should get used to it going into 2022.
Eric McNeely, president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union, said ferry cancellations due to a lack of personnel are the result of a combination of factors.
“Right now there are the seasonal illnesses this time of year combined with some COVID cases and the weather has not been helping at all,” he said, noting many crew members have to commute over the Malahat to get to work at Swartz Bay, navigating through heavy snow and tough driving conditions.
On Thursday B.C. Ferries cancelled two round-trips on Coastal Renaissance between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, citing staffing issues. The day before, the corporation cancelled two round-trip sailings between Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island and Swartz Bay due to a Skeena Queen crew issue.
In both cases, B.C. Ferries said a specific number of crew members is needed to ensure safety in the event of an emergency and to meet Transport Canada regulations.
McNeely said crews aboard B.C. Ferries vessels are stretched thin, are doing the work of many and getting burned out.
“Morale is not good,” he said, noting some catering crews that should number more than 20 are down to 14. “So the staff who are keeping the ships running, most of them are doing significant amounts of overtime and people are burning out.
“When you’re doing the job of 20 or 30 people with half that, it wears on people.”
When asked, B.C. Ferries would not say why there were staffing issues. The company did say drivers with reservations would get their reservation fees back.
As for passengers unable to cross between the Swartz Bay and Fulford Harbour on Wednesday, B.C. Ferries directed them to the alternate crossing point between Crofton and Vesuvius Bay. B.C. Ferries did not offer water taxi service as an option, as it did in November for passengers travelling between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo.
In the Gabriola situation, travel was disrupted due to staffing shortages resulting from crew members that had yet to be vaccinated. Free water taxis shuttled passengers between Gabriola and Nanaimo in place of early morning and evening sailings.
In a statement, B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Astrid Braunschmidt said the company can help people without vehicles get to an alternate crossing point when sailings are cancelled.
“Anyone requiring travel assistance is encouraged to speak to a B.C. Ferries employee at the terminal, on the vessel, or by contacting our customer care team. Our staff are ready to help, and requests for compensation are reviewed on a case by case basis.”
McNeely said to tackle the staffing issues, the union is recommending hiring more people, providing better compensation and offering professional development so junior crew can advance in the ranks. “It’s not just having crew, but retaining crew,” he said, noting having more people to draw on would allow those burning out to take the needed time off to recharge. “I think staffing levels are the lowest in a very, very long time.”
B.C. Ferries recommends getting up-to-date sailing and departure information by following the corporation on Twitter (@ BCFerries), checking bcferries.com or calling 1-888-223-3779.
