Marine Atlantic Labour Disruption Averted

Marine Atlantic and Unifor, which represents deck crew, engine-room assistants and catering staff on the Crown corporation’s ferries, have reached agreement on key outstanding issues, and both sides say there will be no labour disruption.

Background

Conciliated talks broke down in May, and the union applied to the Canada Industrial Relations Board to determine which services would be considered essential in a strike. With a 21-day cooling-off period following conciliation, a strike or lockout could have begun by the end of June, at the start of the busy summer season.

The resolution

In a joint statement on June 30, the two sides said they had reached agreement on key outstanding issues with the help of a special mediator, and that discussions to finalize a full collective agreement would resume the week of July 27. As a result, there will be no labour disruption.

What it means for vehicle shipping

Marine Atlantic’s North Sydney–Port aux Basques and seasonal North Sydney–Argentia routes are the road link between Newfoundland and the mainland and a key link for road freight, including vehicles. We will post an update if the situation changes.

If you have questions about an upcoming or existing shipment, please contact us directly, or check our tracking system for the latest status of a vehicle already in transit.

More information

• VOCM: Labour Disruption Avoided at Marine Atlantic After Breakthrough in Talks
• VOCM: Strike Action Looming at Marine Atlantic