By Canadian Press

Special mediator called in over Kootenay Lake Ferry dispute in B.C.

Mar 30, 2025 | 2:51 PM

British Columbia’s government has called in a special mediator to try and solve a months-long labour dispute impacting the Kootenay Lake ferry.

Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside says in a statement that veteran mediator Vince Ready will work with operator Western Pacific Marine and the B.C. General Employees’ Union to come to a settlement.

If one is not reached within 14 days, Ready will issue recommendations to the minister and both parties.

Unionized workers have been on strike since Nov. 3, seeking wage increases, scheduling adjustments and extended benefits for auxiliary workers and causing reduced ferry services to multiple small communities in southeast British Columbia.

Whiteside’s statement says recommendations from Ready will represent a “fair and transparent path” to end the dispute and “it is in the best interest of both parties to carefully consider” what he suggests.

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A statement from the union says it requested a special mediator from the ministry early last week after the employer agreed to the idea.

“Our union bargaining committee has been working hard to reach a new collective agreement that provides the pay and benefits needed to attract and retain staff for this vital public service,” BCGEU president Paul Finch said in the statement.

“We’re pleased that government has recognized the importance of resolving this situation quickly by agreeing to appoint a special mediator.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2025

The Canadian Press