Members of Unifor Local 114 working at the ‘Victoria Clipper’ are warning that the pace of bargaining for their next contract suggests that the Victoria-Seattle fast ferry service could be disrupted before the end of the summer.

“The Clipper’s negotiators seem to be stuck in a pandemic concessionary mindset,” stated Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Ferry ridership has rebounded from COVID-19. The company simply has no excuse to drag its feet on a fair contract for workers.”

The union says Clipper workers are seeking to negotiate wage increases, adjustments to the scheduling system, and better job security. Local 114 successfully applied for the assistance of a conciliator to help close the gap between the parties but says that during the entire 60-day conciliation period, the company only agreed to meet for three days.

Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle acknowledges that any strike action would affect travellers, but says, “The Clipper is a key part of the region’s tourism. The workers responsible for the smooth operation of ferry services deserve a fair agreement.”

Contract disputes and service disruptions would be new to the Clipper service, with Unifor claiming that the German company that purchased the service in 2016 has been more difficult to work with.

Unifor Local 114 represents 25 workers at the Victoria side of the Clipper’s workforce in customer service, ticketing, baggage handling, and docking.