Kootenay Lake ferry workers start job action in southeast B.C. [Video]

Ferry workers on B.C.’s Kootenay Lake began job action against their employer on Sunday afternoon after a long-simmering contract dispute.

Dozens of workers represented by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) started their strike just after 12 p.m. PT, saying that the most recent offer from their employer, Western Pacific Marine, was not satisfactory.

The unionized workers have been talking about striking since at least September, and are now taking job action over what they say are low wages and unsustainable working conditions.

Ferries are now set to only run three times per day on weekdays, and not at all on weekends, with essential sailings allowed outside of those times for emergency responders, schoolchildren and medical emergencies. Commuters are encouraged to check DriveBC for updates.

BCGEU confirms strike action affecting Kootenay Lake Ferry, effective Nov 3 12:08 pm- Mon to Fri ONLY unless there’s an emergency.<br>The last regular sailing on Sun, Nov 3, will be at 10:40 am from Kootenay Bay.<br>View the revised schedule and FAQ here:<a href=”https://t.co/Y2FZ9kkL2V”>https://t.co/Y2FZ9kkL2V</a>

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