Kootenay-Columbia MP Rob Morrison is hoping to see government action to resolve the Kootenay Lake ferry strike, which began in November 2024.
“This situation has moved beyond inconvenience to a full-blown humanitarian crisis,” said Morrison.
“Throughout the last few days, the ferry was at capacity while the Kootenay Pass was simultaneously closed due to hazardous conditions, leaving residents completely stranded in winter temperatures.”
The strike began on November 3 as a response to what members of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) feel was an unsatisfactory offer from their employer, Western Pacific Marine Ferries (WPM).
“Ferry workers are calling for a fair and equitable deal, comparable wage increases, necessary scheduling adjustments, extended benefits for auxiliary workers, and crucial training support,” said Maria Bennett, BCGEU Treasurer.
“Western Pacific Marine has the means to meet these demands, and workers are unified in their stance.”
Morrison says residents are feeling the impact of service disruptions.
“People have lost their jobs. Residents are missing critical medical appointments. Others are forced to wait in Nelson for 10 hours on weekends hoping to catch ferries that are often cancelled at the last minute, leaving them sleeping in their vehicles in freezing temperatures,” said Morrison.
Ferry services across Kootenay Lake are still active seven days a week at a reduced capacity, but Morrison says this is unacceptable.
“These are real people with real lives being destroyed while this dispute drags on,” Morrison said.
“The suggestion that the Kootenay Pass offers a viable alternative is completely disconnected from reality. It’s a treacherous 2.5-hour detour that has been closed multiple times in the past week alone.”
BCGEU President Paul Finch says the union is willing to come to the negotiating table if the company is willing to give workers a fair deal.
“Ferry workers – who are members of the West Kootenays community – recognize the impact this situation has on their neighbours that rely on these ferry services,” said Finch.
“However, as WPM continues to delay coming to a fair agreement, workers are expanding the job action to hopefully bring an end to the dispute and ensure the long-term viability of these critical services.”
Morrison says he is calling on the provincial government to step in.
“How many more months can people be expected to live like this? The ferry is our highway, and it’s being blocked,” Morrison added.
“I am calling for action now. The provincial government must step in immediately and end this madness.”
You can find a current ferry schedule here.
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