This week, 91% of Hullo Ferries workers have voted in favour of initiating a job action because the ferry operator has refused to bargain “fairly” for their first collective agreement.
Hullo Ferries began operating between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver in August 2023. Just a year later, in early September 2024, the workers unionized through the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU).
Since then , the workers and union have been working to bargain with the company to achieve the workers’ first collective agreement, guaranteeing them fair wages, benefits and working conditions.
At the bargaining table, the union says that Hullo has not met them in good faith, only offering one counter proposal to what the workers have been fighting for before declaring an impasse.
The recent vote to initiate a strike came because of the impasse being declared.
“This result shows just how united Hullo workers are,” said Eric McNeely, president of BCFMWU.
“They know their worth and they’re ready to fight for it.”
Primarily, what the workers have been working to achieve are a contract, fair wages, predictable schedules as well as job security.
“Our members want to keep serving passengers under conditions that respect the skill and training their jobs demand,” McNeely continued.
“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 next step for the nearly 80 workers following the vote to strike, is a meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the results of the vote and how best to proceed.
Despite the results of the vote, the union says they remain open to negotiation, should Hullo Ferries agree to come back to the bargaining table in good faith. A 72-hour strike notice has not yet been issued to the company.
“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.”
Victoria Buzz reached out to Hullo Ferries for a statement regarding the vote to strike, but as of this publication, has not received a response.
