Poisoned Waters: The War Between BC Ferries and Its Union

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A four-letter expletive ended talks aimed at bringing peace between BC Ferries and its union — and better service for travellers.

It was Nov. 28, and union leader Eric McNeely had just logged in to a video conference call with two company executives.

The stakes were high. The company and the union had accused each other of intransigence and lying in a series of memos to employees.

The meeting ended badly.

McNeely said he left the call after Dean Dobrinsky, the corporation’s executive director of labour relations, told him and another union official to “just shut the fuck up.”

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BC Ferries’ wage fight with workers deepens as angry letter sent

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The union representing B.C. Ferries’ workers has lodged a lengthy complaint to the B.C. Labour Relations Board, accusing the employer of a string of bad behaviour and asking for $2.1 million in damages.

The 14-page letter of complaint comes as the two sides are engaged in tense negotiations to increase wages for the union’s 4,700 workers.

According to the Dec. 14, letter, the employer “has undertaken a concerted campaign to undermine the union’s exclusive bargaining agency and lower its reputation among its members. The employer’s efforts have stoked fear and animosity among members which has directly led to discord between the union of members.”

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“Stoking anger, fear, and frustration”: Union files Labour Relations Board complaint against BC Ferries

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The union representing BC Ferries staff is seeking damages, after it alleges its employer “undermined the bargaining process” and created a hostile environment within the union.

Eric McNeely, president of BC Ferries Marine Workers Union, says the union is seeking $2.1 million in damages. He says the union’s largest grievance is with how BC Ferries bargained behind its back, and then accused it of failing to approve a proposal that the union itself put forward.

“For over a year, the employer bargained directly with a faction of the union’s members and without the union’s awareness,” the union’s official complaint to the Labour Relations Board states.

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Union accuses BC Ferries of unfair labour practices in new complaint to Labour Relations Board

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The union representing B.C. Ferries staff has accused the corporation of unfair labour tactics amid fierce negotiations for a wage hike, according to a new complaint to the B.C. Labour Relations Board obtained by CBC News.

The Dec. 14 complaint by the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU) claims B.C. Ferries has violated the province’s Labour Relations Code several times by allegedly undertaking “a concerted campaign” to undermine the union’s authority, bargaining behind its back and spreading misinformation.

The union is seeking $2.1 million in combined damages and orders for multiple declarations of wrongdoing in addition to a complete stop to the alleged illegal tactics by B.C. Ferries.

The complaint’s allegations have not been heard by the B.C. Labour Relations Board (LRB) and B.C. Ferries has not yet filed a response.

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Union accuses BC Ferries of unfair labour practices

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