Provincial arbitrator Vince Ready has handed down his final report in the Kootenay Lake ferry dispute, ending the collective bargaining process.
Western Pacific Marine General Manager Odai Sirri said the report is not the full collective agreement, but rather the arbitrated resolution between WPM and the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU).
“We are pleased that this process is now complete and look forward to focusing our efforts on delivering safe and reliable ferry service to the Kootenay Lake region, whilst continuing to strengthen relationships with our crew and community.” said Sirri.
“It’s a fair and reasonable set of recommendations that are binding on both parties, which is a huge benefit to the community to taxpayers, to the future sustainability of the ferry service, so we’re just looking forward to moving forward now.”
In his report, Ready encourages further collaboration between the parties to avoid further disputes down the road.
“I urge the parties to collaborate on rebuilding the trust between them necessary for ensuring the sustainability of Kootenay Lake’s essential transportation network in future,” he said.
“These parties have had two lengthy labour disputes in their last two rounds of negotiations which have had a significant impact on the communities served by WPM.”
“Therefore, I recommend that in future negotiations and in the event a strike vote is conducted or a lock out notice is served, and prior to any job action, that the parties engage the services of a special mediator pursuant to the B.C. Labour Relations Code who will issue recommendations using the well-established principles of interest arbitration.”
These recommendations will be incorporated into the new collective agreement, which takes effect retroactively as of 1 April 2024.
View the report here.
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