The B.C. General Employees’ Union has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the B.C. Labour Relations Board against Kootenay Lake ferry operator Western Pacific Marine, alleging the company has failed to implement the terms of a ratified collective agreement for workers on the Kootenay Lake ferry system.
The union said in a statement the agreement, which was approved by members in June 2025, is already in force and must be applied.
However, it alleges the employer has not paid retroactive wages owed dating back to April 2024 and has failed to implement several key provisions, including new scheduling shifts, benefit increases and shift differentials.
The complaint was filed with the B.C. Labour Relations Board under Sections 6(1) and 49(3) of the Labour Code.
“In the last round of bargaining, ferry workers fought for and secured a contract that would ensure the long-term survival of safe, reliable ferry service for the ferry-dependent communities,” said Sebastian Kallos, BCGEU vice-president for Component 20, Environment, Technical and Operations.
BCGEU president Paul Finch said the Labour Code requires employers to implement ratified agreements.
“The Labour Code is clear: once an agreement is ratified by members, then the agreement comes into full force and effect”, said Paul Finch, BCGEU president. “Our members have the right to have their ratified agreement respected by their employer, Western Pacific Marine.”
The collective agreement was reached after extended negotiations between the union and Western Pacific Marine, followed by mediation and binding recommendations from arbitrator Vince Ready last June.
The final agreement, subject to ratification, covers the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028.
Western Pacific Marine said in a statement it is aware the complaint has been filed with the B.C. Labour Relations Board.
“It is not WPM’s practice to comment on matters that are before the Labour Relations Board or arbitrators. We are confident these matters will be resolved in due course,” said general manager Odai Sirri.
The company has previously has previously said it is working to implement the agreement but faces operational and staffing challenges.
Western Pacific Marine operates the ferry under contract for the B.C. Ministry of Transportation. The union said unresolved implementation issues are also contributing to ongoing staffing challenges and service disruptions.
BCGEU members who work at Western Pacific Marine include masters, mates, engineers, deckhands, cable ferry operators, terminal attendants and marine clerks.
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