Marine Atlantic workers prepare for strike

PORT AUX BASQUES, Nfld. — Two unions representing 460 Marine Atlantic workers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of walking off the job, perhaps putting the ferry’s future operations in jeopardy.

Seeking a pay increase and better benefits, the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United Steelworkers — which are negotiating for ticket agents and dock workers — voted 95 percent in favor of striking, reports the CBC. The unions will be in a legal strike position in about three weeks.

Marine Atlantic says it doesn’t expect any delays in service until that time.

Truckers who rely on the Port Aux Basques-North Sydney ferry service — especially fresh food haulers — would be severely compromised if ferry workers hit the bricks.

The ferry says it might refer the matter to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). According to the Canada Labour Code, says a ferry spokesperson, a party can’t strike while the CIRB is considering an application.

— from CBC