The union representing cable ferry workers serving British Columbia’s Kootenay region issued 24-hour notice of plans to expand strike measures on two roads that are causing growing concern.
The move would extend the strike to the Harrop and Glade ferries, starting at 6:30 a.m. Monday, January 6.
According to an essential service order from B.C. Work The Relations Board said in the event of a strike, service on the Harrop-Procter ferry would be reduced to eight round trips per day, while the Glade route would be reduced to 16 round trips.
The British Columbia General Employees Union represents ferry workers who have been on strike since November 3 in a dispute with their employer, Western Pacific Marine.
Western Pacific Marine general manager Odai Sirri said the company and union met on Thursday and discussions are ongoing, with company officials today contacting communities to prepare logistics in the event service reductions.
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Sirri said the company expects a revised schedule to be available by Friday afternoon.
In a statement, the union said it remained available at any time for mediation or negotiations.
Community residents say they are concerned that reducing crossings on the free on-demand service would cost some people their neighbors and their jobs.
BC Opposition Conservative MP Pete Davis is calling on Rural Services Minister Brittny Anderson to ensure the needs of local residents are prioritized.
–with files from the Canadian Press
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