Concerns Grow in Southeast B.C. Over Ferry Service Dispute

Panic is rising among the small communities located around Kootenay Lake in southeast British Columbia as they worry they might be cut off from their neighbors and jobs. This growing anxiety stems from a labor dispute affecting ferry services, which many residents rely on for essential travel.

The communities of Harrop, Procter, and Glade are facing potential reductions in their cable ferry services after a ruling by the B.C. Labour Relations Board. The decision allows for an expansion of a strike that has already disrupted service on important ferry routes across Kootenay Lake.

For some locals, the only option besides the ferry is a long drive that can take hours. Many are concerned that they may end up completely isolated. "Everyone's panicking here," said Melinda Foot, who co-owns the Procter General Store. She added, "It’s a five-minute crossing that takes us over to all the rest of our communities, like Nelson and Balfour. The ferry is our only way out, and there are no alternative routes or logging roads that connect us to the outside. Without it, we have only this small convenience store."

The strike, instigated by the B.C. General Employees’ Union, began on November 3. Workers are demanding better wages, changes to their work schedules, and extended benefits for auxiliary workers from Western Pacific Marine, the employer responsible for the ferry service.

Changes in Ferry Service Operations

Last Friday, the Labour Board announced that the ferry service between Harrop and Procter would be reduced to just eight round trips a day. The Glade ferry would operate for 16 round trips daily, a significant cutback from its previous schedules. Normally, the Harrop ferry operates on a 24-hour on-demand basis, while the Glade ferry runs from early morning until late at night.

According to information on Western Pacific Marine's website, the ferries will continue their current operations until January 2, with a new schedule expected to be released late Tuesday. Foot expressed her frustration over the lack of clarity, stating, "They keep telling us there will be a schedule of eight crossings, but they haven’t provided the details. People are worried about losing their jobs, and some may even try to use the ferries at night in January, which is dangerous."

The local population stands at about 600 for Harrop-Procter and around 300 for Glade, making the ferry a lifeline for these communities. The Labour Board's ruling aimed to adjust service levels while ensuring the health and safety of the residents would not be seriously compromised. Associate chair Andres Barker noted that the reductions might affect community wellbeing and economic activity, leading to inconveniences that come with having to schedule trips instead of having the freedom to travel at will.

Barker concluded by stating, "While these changes will undoubtedly have some impact on residents who depend on the ferry, they are necessary to prevent any immediate and serious threats to the health and welfare of the communities involved."

ferry, dispute, communities